36-Star American Flag, Civil War Period, Circa 1864-67

This is an antique 36-star American flag, as striking as it is scarce. 36 stars celebrate the addition of Nevada to the Union and officially flew from July 4, 1865 to July 3, 1867, under President Andrew Johnson. This large flag has an impressive canton with 36 stars, hand-sewn onto the flag with white thread. A deviation from the standard row pattern, the 36 stars on this flag are applied whimsically at different angles, to mimic stars shimmering in the night sky. The design is completed with 13 alternating red and white machine-sewn stripes, to represent the 13 original states.

Flags of the American Civil War period are among the most sought after of all American flags. Prior to the Civil War, Americans rarely displayed the flag for personal use. The events of the Civil War, starting even prior to the commencement of the war with the introduction of Kansas into the Union as the 34th state and the election of President Abraham Lincoln in 1861, marked a turning point in both the surge of patriotism and the production and display of the American flag.

Although Nevada became a state while the Civil War was in progress, on October 31st, 1864, Congress did not officially add its star to the flag until July 4, 1865, several months after the war was over. So while many consider 36-star flags “Reconstruction flags” given their official fly time, the actual period of the 36-star flag spans almost six months into the end of the Civil War and the final surrender at Appomattox Court House.

In fact, 36-star flags were officially issued to Army regiments that required new flags during those last six months of fighting. 36-star flags were also used in jubilant parades nationwide to celebrate the end of the Civil War, as well as in more solemn ceremonies mourning the death of President Lincoln and fallen soldiers.

This is a truly spectacular piece of Americana, a significant addition to any serious Civil War or collection.

CONDITION:

Good condition overall, considering size and age. Very large flag. Thirty six hand-sewn white stars, sewn onto a blue canton. Thirteen red and white alternating stripes, machine sewn. Dark tan fabric hoist with original rope intact. Hemmed fly. Color is good, with consistent and even fading to red and blue fabric. White stripes and white stars have toning and scattered stains. All stars are still attached. Nine scattered holes, one in the canton and the remaining in the stripes. Unframed Dimensions: 64" H x 103" W.

Flag has been archivally mounted and framed, with fly folded over several times to reduce overall frame size. The flag is mounted on dark black acid-free silk mats, with UV plexiglas, and a custom-built wooden frame with gold spandrel. 

Framed Dimensions: 87 1/4" H x 101 1/4" W x 3 1/2" D.

Accompanied by our company’s letter of authenticity.