Frame Size (H x L): 12.75” x 17.25”
Flag Size (H x L): 8.25” x 12.25”

Offered is a thirty-seven star parade flag. It is printed on silk and includes a gold trim on its top, right, and bottom edges, which is also made of silk. Its stars are arranged in a "Great Star" pattern—a configuration that is as rare as it is interesting. This particular Great Star includes twenty-five stars in its outline, nine stars inside of the outline, and four flanking stars surrounding the outline. The flanking stars are canted and larger than the others.

US Naval Captain Samuel Reid is credited with designing the Great Star pattern in 1818. Captain Reid was an officer in the US Navy and commanded the privateer General Armstrong during the War of 1812. Andrew Jackson credited Captain Reid's heroism in delaying the British Squadron in the Battle of Fayal, and aiding in General Jackson's defense of New Orleans. Captain Reid and his crew were greeted as heroes.

The Second Flag Act, passed in 1794, stated that the flag would have fifteen stars and fifteen stripes, in response to Vermont and Kentucky being added to the Union. Knowing that this approach would not be sustainable, with Captain Reid's help, Congress passed the Flag Act of 1818, specifying that the flag should only have thirteen stripes, but should have a star for each state admitted to the Union. It further specified that the addition of each star should be on the Fourth of July following its respective state's admission.

Captain Reid played a significant role in the Flag Act of 1818, and recommended a basic design of thirteen horizontal alternating stripes in honor of the thirteen colonies, and a star in honor of each state. He further recommended several potential star patterns, including twenty stars in the shape of a larger star for general use. Reid suggested this pattern to make the flag consistent and easily identifiable, particularly at long distances and at sea. His star pattern recommendation was not ultimately included in the Act, nor was any star pattern, but Captain Reid is universally credited with designing the Great Star pattern. Its use peaked in the 1840s, but it was also used during the Civil War and occasionally during Centennial Celebrations. Its last known commercial use was on a thirty-eight star flag.

The thirty-seven star flag represents the inclusion of Nebraska to the Union. Nebraska was admitted on March 1st, 1867, and this flag became official on July 4th of the same year. The thirty-seven star flag was the official flag during a portion of the Reconstruction era, and a portion of the Indian Wars era. Presidents Andrew Johnson, Ulysses S. Grant, and Rutherford B. Hayes all served under this flag.

Thirty-seven star flags are scarce, relative to thirty-six and thirty-eight star flags. This is because of a lack of major patriotic events following the Civil War and preceding the centennial. This is further because thirty-eight star flags were often used to celebrate the centennial, instead of thirty-seven star flags, even though thirty-seven was the official star count in 1876. It was common for flag makers to produce anticipatory flags in advance of their official date, making the thirty-eight star flag—and for historical reasons, the thirteen star flag—the most common flags flown during the centennial celebrations of 1876.

The thirty-seven star flag was official until July 4th 1877, the time at which the thirty-eight star flag became official and began to represent the inclusion of Colorado to the Union.

Conservation Process: This flag was professionally conserved. It is sewn to silk and positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: This offering is in an American ripple frame with a dark brown outer layer and a gilt inner liner. Such frames were inspired by Dutch ripple frames and were made starting in 1850.

Condition Report: There are some losses to the gold fringe. There are some small tears, but they have been professionally stabilized and masked. There are small, scattered stains.

Collectability Level: The Best – Perfect for Advanced Collectors
Date of Origin: 1867-1876
Number of Stars: 37
Associated War: The Indian Wars (1860-1890)
Associated State: Nebraska