Price: Call 618-553-2291, or email info@bonsellamericana.com
Frame Size (H x L): 12” x 14”  
Flag Size (H x L): 5.5” x 8”  

Offered is a 13-star antique American parade flag, printed on glazed cotton, and exhibiting one of the rarest star configurations found on any 19th-century printed American flag. The 13 stars are arranged to form a large, six-pointed version of the “Great Star” or “Great Luminary” pattern, in which a larger star is created from a constellation of smaller stars.

Great Star flags are highly prized among collectors, but this six-pointed interpretation is far more unusual than the five-pointed versions more commonly encountered in American flag design. The result is both graphic and mysterious: a bold, star-shaped device that immediately distinguishes this flag from nearly all other 13-star parade flags.

Printed parade flags exhibiting this pattern are extremely rare and are known in what we refer to as small, medium, and large varieties. The example offered here is the medium version, measuring approximately 5.5" x 8". Within this scarce family, the medium variety is limited to just four or five known examples, one of which includes a “Lincoln & Hamlin” overprint from Abraham Lincoln’s 1860 presidential campaign.

The flag dates to approximately 1848–1865. The beginning of this date range is based on the early use of printed parade flags in presidential campaigning by 1848, while the latter date corresponds with the conclusion of the Civil War. The rarity of this six-pointed star configuration, together with the flag’s coarse glazed cotton, early printing method, dyes, and the existence of the related Lincoln & Hamlin campaign example, strongly supports a date from the Civil War era or earlier.

The reason for arranging the stars in this six-pointed form is unknown, though two principal explanations are plausible.

As a first theory, the six-pointed star may reference the constellation of stars above the eagle on the Great Seal of the United States. The Great Seal, adopted in 1782, was created to authenticate official documents of the federal government and became one of the nation’s most important symbols. Francis Hopkinson played a key role in designing the Great Seal and has also often been credited as a designer of the United States flag, in contrast to the more familiar but historically debated Betsy Ross tradition. Although original sketches for the stars on the Great Seal were more loosely arranged, the engraver of the original die selected a six-pointed star form, likely influenced by European heraldic convention.

As a second, alternative theory, the configuration may be visually related to the Star of David, also known as the Shield of David. Modern viewers naturally recognize the six-pointed form in that context. The symbol itself dates back centuries and was used historically in decorative, ancestral, and religious contexts, though its widespread adoption as a primary emblem of Jewish identity developed more fully over time. By the 19th century, its use among European Jewish communities had increased, making the association possible within the period of this flag’s manufacture.

That said, the Star of David interpretation should be treated as a possibility rather than a certainty. The six-pointed form may instead have been selected because it was a balanced, visually logical, and highly effective way to arrange 13 stars into one larger star-shaped device. Whatever the maker’s intention, the result is among the most distinctive star patterns known in early American printed flags.

The flag is printed on glazed cotton, a material commonly associated with early parade flags. These small printed flags were inexpensive, portable, and intended for temporary display at political rallies, patriotic events, civic gatherings, and public celebrations. Their survival is often precarious because they were not generally made as permanent objects. The coarse weave, irregular printing, and softened red and blue pigments give this example the surface and character collectors associate with early printed cotton flags.

Prior to the Civil War, private use of the American flag was comparatively limited. Most early parade flags made for the civilian market appear to have been used in political rallies, campaign events, and other public gatherings. The known Lincoln & Hamlin example in this same general style is therefore especially important. It suggests that flags of this pattern were likely produced for political display, even when surviving examples do not bear printed campaign text.

While we may never know whether this flag was intended to reference the Great Seal, the Star of David, another historical source, or simply the most elegant arrangement of 13 stars into a six-pointed device, its importance is clear. It belongs to one of the rarest families of 13-star printed parade flags known to survive. Small in scale but powerful in design, it is an exceptional example for collectors of early American flags, political textiles, and rare patriotic printed cottons.

The original use of the 13-star flag dates to June 14, 1777, when the Continental Congress adopted the first official flag resolution. The resolution stated: “Resolved, that the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, that the union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation.” Thirteen-star flags were official from 1777 until 1795, but they have remained in use throughout American history.

The 13-star count was later used for a wide variety of patriotic, military, political, and commemorative purposes. Small U.S. Navy boats used 13-star flags as ensigns from 1795 until 1916, in part because fewer stars were easier to distinguish at a distance on small flags. Commercial flag-makers mirrored this practice, and some private vessels also flew 13-star flags during the same general period.

Thirteen-star flags were also flown in connection with major patriotic events, including observances following George Washington’s death in 1799, celebrations of the nation’s 50th anniversary in 1824, and public commemorations surrounding General Lafayette’s return to the United States in 1824–1825. Lafayette’s tour inspired celebrations in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and many other communities throughout the country.

The 13-star flag also carried special meaning during the Mexican War and the Civil War. Both conflicts inspired renewed patriotic display, and during the Civil War especially, the flag became a powerful public symbol of Union, liberty, and national preservation. In that context, the 13-star count deliberately recalled the original colonies and the founding struggle for American independence.

Thirteen-star flags were again widely displayed during the Centennial celebrations of 1876, most notably at the Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia. By that time, the 13-star flag had become both a historic emblem and a flexible patriotic device, capable of referring to the Revolution, the Founding generation, national unity, and American endurance.

This example is especially compelling because it combines that historic 13-star symbolism with one of the rarest and most visually arresting star patterns known in early printed American flags. Its small scale, coarse glazed cotton, early printing, and six-pointed Great Star configuration make it a remarkable survivor from the formative period of American political and patriotic display.

Conservation Process: The flag was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board.  To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the flag, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash.  The flag is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: A handsome 19th-century American frame with a rich, dark, hand-finished surface exhibiting pronounced craquelure throughout, indicative of age and original finish. The textured, slightly irregular surface and warm tonality provide a strong visual counterpoint to the textile, enhancing its period presence without distraction.

Condition Report: Condition is very good for an early printed parade flag of this type, with expected oxidation, minor staining, surface soiling, and scattered pigment loss throughout. There is fraying along the perimeter, especially at the fly end and along the top and bottom edges, with small areas of thread separation and fabric loss. A small horizontal tear is present near the fly end. The printed colors remain attractive, with a pleasingly faded red and strong blue canton, and the overall presentation is excellent.

Collectability Level: The Best – Perfect for Advanced Collectors  
Date of Origin: 1848-1865  
Number of Stars: 13
Associated War: The Civil War (1861-1865)   
Associated State: Original 13 Colonies 

Frame Size (H x L): 14.5” x 17.5”
Flag Size (H x L): 6.5” x 9.75”

Offered is a 35-star American national flag, printed on glazed cotton and dating to the height of the Civil War. The stars are arranged in a striking medallion configuration that is among the most visually compelling of all 19th century parade flag designs. At the center of the canton is a large “center star,” canted toward the 11:00 position, representing the newest state admitted to the Union: West Virginia. Encircling the center star are two concentric wreaths of smaller stars, while four additional stars occupy the corners of the canton, framing the design in balanced and highly decorative fashion.

The stars themselves possess an especially memorable appearance. Sharp, elongated points and irregular, hand-drawn geometry lend them a distinctly folksy character, while their tight arrangement within the canton creates a sense of movement and energy uncommon among printed parade flags of the period. Though the maker of this particular example remains unidentified, the unusual star shapes and overall presentation are associated with a very small and recognizable family of flags believed to have originated from the same workshop. Flags of this style are known in just six star counts: 7-star, 13-star, 15-star, 29-star, 33-star, and 35-star varieties.

Each appears to have been produced to commemorate a specific historical milestone or patriotic theme. The 7-star examples celebrated the first seven Southern states to secede from the Union. The 13-star versions paid homage to the original colonies. The 15-star flags were likely produced in conjunction with the centennial celebration of Kentucky statehood. The 29-star, 33-star, and 35-star examples marked the admission of Iowa, Oregon, and West Virginia, respectively, with the oversized center star serving as a visual tribute to the newest state represented on the flag. Among all known examples from this maker, the 35-star variety is by far the rarest. Surviving examples are exceptionally limited, with perhaps fewer than ten presently known.

The 35-star flag officially represents the admission of West Virginia to the Union on June 20th, 1863. In one of the most extraordinary episodes in American political history, West Virginia was formed amid the turmoil of the Civil War itself. Following Virginia’s decision to secede from the Union in 1861, delegates from the northwestern counties opposed the move and established a separate pro-Union government. After a complicated legal and political process, the new state of West Virginia was admitted to the Union under President Abraham Lincoln, becoming the only state created directly out of a Confederate state during the war.

Under the Flag Act of 1818, newly admitted states were officially recognized on the national flag on the July 4th following admission. As a result, the 35-star flag became official on July 4th, 1863, less than two weeks after West Virginia entered the Union. It remained official until July 3rd, 1865, when the 36-star flag succeeded it following Nevada statehood. Because of this narrow official window—approximately two years—and because massive quantities of patriotic textiles had already been produced in 1861 and 1862 at the outbreak of the war, comparatively few 35-star flags were made.

The 35-star count occupies a singular place in American vexillological history. It is the only official star count both added and used entirely during the Civil War itself. As such, 35-star flags hold a special fascination for collectors, combining direct wartime association with great rarity and one of the most attractive medallion configurations encountered in 19th century American flag-making.

Conservation Process: This flag was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board. To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the flag, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash. The flag is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: The flag has been placed in an American flame grain painted frame, dating to 1840. The surface displays strong faux-grained decoration with rich tonal variation and a warm, aged patina that pairs well with the Civil War-era textile.  

Condition Report: The flag shows moderate to significant wear consistent with its Civil War period origin and use. Most notable is a band of brown discoloration along the fly end, concentrated primarily within the white stripes, likely the result of long-term storage while rolled, where the exposed outer surface absorbed environmental staining over time. There is minor scattered foxing and soiling throughout, accompanied by modest fabric breakdown and edge fraying, all of which contribute to the flag’s authentic early appearance and character.

Collectability Level: The Best – Perfect for Advanced Collectors
Date of Origin: 1863-1865
Number of Stars: 35
Associated War: Civil War (1861-1865)
Associated State: West Virginia

Frame Size (H x L): 17” x 17”
Textile Size (H x L): 1.5” x 3.5”

Offered is a rare “Votes for Women” ribbon.  The field is yellow, and the verbiage is in all black caps.  Yellow was the primary color in the women’s suffrage movement in the US, and was combined with various other colors, though in most instances was combined with black.  In England, violet and green were the primary colors. 

In 1848, Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton organized the first women’s rights convention in Seneca Falls, New York.  As a result of this meeting in Stanton’s hometown, the document containing a declaration for women’s suffrage, right to education, and right to employment was drafted.  Over the next 50 years, numerous women’s conventions were hosted to bring strength to the movement in masses.

Though initially targeted as a state-by-state movement, it was ultimately recognized that only an amendment to the Constitution would grant all women the right to vote.  Amendments were introduced in 1878 and 1914, both of which were defeated.  By 1918, both political parties were committed to women’s suffrage, in part based on the major role women played in World War I.  As such, in January of 1918 and June of 1919, an amendment was passed by two-thirds majorities in the House and Senate, respectively.  On August 18th, 1920, Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the amendment, giving the two-thirds of state legislators necessary to ratify the amendment.  On August 26th, the Nineteenth Amendment became part of the Constitution, and read as follows:

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.  Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Conservation Process: This ribbon was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board.  To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the ribbon, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash.  The ribbon is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: The frame dates to approximately 1890.  It is multi-tiered and made of mahogany, oak, and maple.  It is a frame of the highest quality.

Condition Report: This ribbon is in excellent condition.

Collectability Level: The Good – Perfect for Beginning Collectors and Gifts
Date of Origin: 1913-1920 

Frame Size (H x L): 16.75” x 22”
Flag Size (H x L): 9” x 14”  

Offered is a 38-star American parade flag, printed on glazed cotton and overprinted for MEMORIAL DAY with a secondary, stamped overprint, referencing Stannard Post No. 2 of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.), dated 1884.

The canton displays a 7-6-6-6-6-7 star configuration, with stars arranged in generally linear rows and canted in varying directions, lending a lively, almost animated quality to the field. The stripes present in a particularly attractive orange-red tone, a result of period pigments and printing techniques, and provide strong visual contrast against the blue canton. Across the striped field appears the boldly applied, all-capital MEMORIAL DAY overprint, printed at a slight angle. The typography is somewhat crude, yet visually compelling, with additional text reading “Stannard Post No. 2 G.A.R.” and the date “1884,” offering the rare advantage of a clearly documented moment of use. This is the first example of this specific overprint and flag that we have encountered.

The presence of the MEMORIAL DAY overprint, combined with the identification of Stannard Post No. 2, firmly anchors this flag within the culture of Civil War remembrance. The Grand Army of the Republic, founded in 1866, was the leading fraternal organization of Union veterans, and its posts were deeply involved in the establishment and perpetuation of Memorial Day observances across the United States. These events were among the most important civic rituals of the late 19th century, involving parades, cemetery ceremonies, speeches, and the decoration of soldiers’ graves. Flags such as this were produced for precisely these occasions, often in limited quantities and for local use, which contributes to their rarity today.

Stannard Post No. 2 was located in Burlington, Vermont, and was named in honor of General George Jerrison Stannard, a Union officer best known for his leadership at the Battle of Gettysburg. The identification of a specific G.A.R. post is particularly desirable, as it ties the object to a defined community of veterans and a known geographic location. Unlike generic patriotic flags, this example was created for a specific group and event, elevating both its historical and interpretive value.

Of further interest is documentary evidence connecting the post to its membership. Period records, including the obituary of Leander W. Freeman, identify him as a member of Stannard Post No. 2. Freeman, an African American veteran who served in Company F of the 54th Massachusetts Colored Volunteers, represents an important and often underrepresented dimension of G.A.R. membership. His presence within the post underscores the degree to which African American veterans participated in these organizations and in Memorial Day observances, particularly in Northern communities. While it cannot be said that this flag was directly associated with Freeman himself, the documented connection between the post and one of its members adds a meaningful layer of human context and historical depth.

The 38 stars on this flag represent Colorado’s admission to the Union on August 1st, 1876. Known as the “Centennial State,” Colorado achieved statehood just 28 days after the nation’s 100th anniversary. Although the 38-star flag did not become official until July 4th, 1877, it remained in use through July 3rd, 1890, spanning a period of westward expansion, industrial growth, and national consolidation following the Civil War. By the date of this flag’s overprint—1884—the star count was fully official and widely produced, placing this example firmly within its proper historical context rather than among earlier anticipatory issues made for the Centennial.

The printing method and material further support an 1880s date. The use of glazed cotton, along with printed application of color, is consistent with parade flags of the period. The slightly irregular saturation of the pigments, especially in the stripes, contributes to the warm, almost burnished appearance that clients find particularly appealing. The overprint reflects the practical realities of such commemorative objects—standard flags customized for local events through secondary application.

Flags with specific Memorial Day overprints tied to named G.A.R. posts are rare, particularly those bearing a clear and early date. The combination of a desirable 38-star count, strong visual presentation, documented year of use, and direct association with a Grand Army post in Burlington makes this an especially compelling example. It stands not only as a patriotic object, but as a tangible artifact of post-war remembrance, community and identity.

Conservation Process: This flag was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board. To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the flag, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash. The flag is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: The flag is housed in a handsome antique frame of birdseye maple, displaying dense, highly figured grain with warm, honeyed tones typical of 19th-century examples, likely dating to the mid- to late-1800s. A narrow gilded liner provides a refined inner border. The surface exhibits a naturally aged patina consistent with its period, enhancing its depth and character.

Condition Report: The flag shows moderate overall wear consistent with age and use, including scattered foxing, minor staining, and areas of pigment loss, particularly within the overprint and along the stripes. There is a vertical fold line through the center with associated light fabric breakdown, accompanied by minor fraying and edge wear along the perimeter. Despite these condition issues, the fabric remains stable, with strong visual presentation and legibility of both the star field and the MEMORIAL DAY overprint.

Collectability Level: The Great – Perfect for Rising Collectors
Date of Origin: 1884
Number of Stars: 38  
Associated War: The Indian Wars (1860-1890)  
Associated State: Colorado

Price: Call 618-553-2291, or email info@bonsellamericana.com
Frame Size (H x L): 13” x 16.5”
Flag Size (H x L): 6.5” x 10”  

Offered is a rare and visually striking 38-star American flag trade flag, produced in the Centennial era and featuring an extensive advertising overprint for “CENTENNIAL JAVA COFFEE.” Printed on paper in an unusually large format measuring approximately 6.5 by 10 inches—roughly double the size of most surviving trade cards—this example occupies a compelling space between traditional advertising ephemera and a hand-held parade flag.

The canton displays a highly graphic and well-balanced medallion configuration, composed of a single, oversized center star surrounded by two concentric rings of smaller stars, with four additional flanking stars completing the count of thirty-eight. The inner ring contains 12 stars, while the outer ring presents 21, forming a bold and symmetrical arrangement that is both visually dynamic and carefully structured. The large center star serves as a strong focal point within the design and may be interpreted as an intentional visual emphasis on Colorado, the 38th state.

The overprint is exceptional in both scale and execution. Spanning the stripes in varying typefaces, it reads: “I DRINK CENTENNIAL JAVA COFFEE, THE BEST COFFEE IN THE WORLD. ONE POUND WILL GO AS FAR AS TWO OF ANY OTHER. ASK YOUR GROCER FOR IT.” The typography shifts from line to line, creating a layered and energetic visual rhythm that enhances the overall composition. Along the hoist, a vertical block of text further promotes the quality of the product, while an additional vertical instruction—directed to mothers—encourages the mounting of the flag on a stick for children to wave. This directive provides clear evidence that the piece was intended for active use as a hand-held display, rather than passive advertising alone.

The coloration is equally noteworthy. The red stripes, rendered in a distinctly orange-red tone, provide vivid contrast against the blue canton and contribute to the flag’s strong visual presence. Combined with the bold overprint and varied typography, the result is an unusually lively and engaging piece of printed Americana.

The broader context of this object is further enriched by period concerns surrounding the quality and purity of coffee. Late 19th-century reports on food adulteration reveal that a significant portion of commercially available ground coffee was diluted with roasted grains, legumes, and chicory. Within this environment, claims such as “ONE POUND WILL GO AS FAR AS TWO OF ANY OTHER” take on added meaning, functioning not merely as advertising rhetoric but as a direct appeal to consumers wary of inferior or adulterated products. Contemporary documentation even records “CENTENNIAL JAVA” among branded coffees in circulation, reinforcing the authenticity of the marketing language employed here.

The convergence of Centennial-era patriotism with commercial promotion is executed at an unusually high level in this 38-star example, both graphically and conceptually. Its large format, dynamic medallion star configuration, extensive overprint, and clear evidence of intended use as a parade flag combine to set it apart from more typical trade cards. Examples of this scale and visual impact are seldom encountered, and this is the first of this specific design that we have handled. Simply put, it ranks among the most compelling and visually engaging 19th-century American flag trade flags to surface.

The 38 stars on this flag represent Colorado’s admission to the Union on August 1st, 1876. Known as the “Centennial State,” Colorado earned its nickname for achieving statehood just 28 days after the nation’s centennial celebrations. Colorado’s journey to statehood began with the establishment of the Colorado Territory in 1861, spurred by the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush, which brought a wave of settlers to the region. Early statehood efforts faced setbacks, including a veto by President Andrew Johnson in the 1860s, but a renewed push in the mid-1870s culminated in Colorado’s official entry as the 38th state following Congress’s passage of an enabling act.

Although the 38-star flag did not become official until July 4th, 1877, flag makers frequently produced anticipatory examples ahead of such changes. These flags played a prominent role during the centennial celebrations of 1876, alongside revival designs featuring thirteen stars to commemorate the original colonies. The Centennial year was a watershed moment for the United States, fostering a renewed sense of patriotism and unity after the divisions of the Civil War. Communities across the nation adorned homes, businesses, and public spaces with red, white, and blue decorations, and flags became the centerpiece of this outpouring of national pride.

The Centennial International Exposition in Philadelphia was the highlight of these celebrations, attracting nearly ten million visitors between May and November of 1876. This world’s fair showcased American ingenuity on a grand scale, with notable exhibits including the Corliss Steam Engine and Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone, which would go on to revolutionize communication.

The 38-star flag officially served from July 4th, 1877, to July 4th, 1890, during which it flew over the administrations of Presidents Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Chester A. Arthur, Grover Cleveland, and Benjamin Harrison. This flag represented a nation growing both geographically and industrially. Colorado’s statehood symbolized the United States’ expansion westward, driven by mining booms, railroad construction, and the development of new settlements.

In 1890, the addition of five new states—North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Washington, and Idaho—necessitated a redesign, and the 43- star flag replaced the 38-star version. Despite its relatively short tenure, the 38-star flag remains a prized artifact, celebrated for its vibrant medallion designs and its connection to the Centennial year—a defining moment in American history when the nation reflected on its first century and welcomed Colorado as a symbol of progress and unity.

Frame: Housed in a beautiful American frame dating to circa 1840, crafted in hand-painted faux bois to simulate richly grained, knotty light mahogany. The surface displays exceptional graining with a warm, nuanced finish that complements the flag without overpowering it. The profile and early construction lend an appropriate sense of age and authenticity, enhancing the overall presentation.

Condition Report: The flag has been professionally conserved by a paper conservator, resulting in stable overall condition. There is moderate, even toning to the paper, accompanied by scattered foxing and minor surface soiling consistent with age. Evidence of prior handling is present in the form of minor edge wear, none of which detracts from the strong visual presentation. The printed imagery and overprint remain bold and highly legible throughout.

Collectability Level: The Extraordinary – Museum Quality Offerings
Date of Origin: 1860-1890
Associated War: The Indian Wars (1860-1890)

Frame Size (H x L): 12” x 15”
Flag Size (H x L): 6” x 9”

Offered is a 33-star American national flag, printed on glazed cotton and executed in a highly distinctive medallion-style star configuration. At the center of the canton is a single, oversized “center star,” canted to approximately the 11:00 position. This center star is widely understood to represent the most recently admitted state—Oregon in the case of the 33-star flag. Surrounding the center star are two concentric rings of smaller stars, with four additional stars positioned in the corners of the canton, completing the design.

The stars are notably pointy and irregular in form, lending the flag a distinctly folksy, hand-rendered appearance. They are tightly packed within the canton, a visual characteristic emblematic of a small and well-recognized family of mid-19th-century printed flags. Although the maker of this example remains unidentified, the star shapes, spacing, and overall layout are consistent across a limited group of flags known to have originated from the same workshop.

This workshop is documented to have produced flags in 6 different star counts, all sharing the same stylistic vocabulary: 7-star, 13-star, 15-star, 29-star, 33-star, and 35-star examples. Each star count corresponds to a specific historical or commemorative purpose. Flags with 7 stars acknowledged the first seven states to secede from the Union; 13-star flags referenced the original colonies; 15-star flags commemorated Kentucky’s centennial; and the 29-star, 33-star, and 35-star flags celebrated the admission of Iowa, Oregon, and West Virginia, respectively. The recurrence of this design across multiple star counts suggests a commercially oriented maker responding quickly to current events and prevailing public sentiment.

The 33-star flag represents the admission of Oregon, which became the 33rd state on February 14, 1859. In accordance with federal law, the star count was updated on the following Independence Day, making July 4, 1859, the official beginning of the 33-star flag’s period of use. It remained the official national flag until July 4, 1861, when the 34-star flag—reflecting the admission of Kansas—was formally adopted.

The historical timing of the 33-star flag is particularly significant. Its official period of use overlaps directly with the secession crisis and the opening months of the Civil War. At the time the 33-star flag became official, multiple Southern states had already left the Union, yet no stars were ever removed from the flag. As a result, the 33-star flag represents a Union that was legally intact but politically fractured—an important and meaningful distinction for collectors.

This association is underscored by a notable historical reference: a 33-star flag was flying at Fort Sumter when Confederate forces launched their attack in April of 1861. Because of this, the 33-star flag is among the earliest star counts directly tied to the Civil War and is often regarded as a visual symbol of the nation on the brink of armed conflict.

Although the 33-star flag was officially replaced in July of 1861, it continued to be used well into the Civil War. Wartime supply constraints meant that existing flags remained in service, and manufacturers did not immediately discard earlier printing blocks or designs. As a result, 33-star flags are documented in both pre-war and early-war contexts, adding to their historical depth and complexity.

From a broader collecting perspective, flags from the Civil War era are among the most sought-after of all antique American flags. Prior to the late 1850s, flags were not commonly displayed by civilians for patriotic purposes, and even military use was relatively limited. Earlier flags were typically produced for maritime identification and were often very large in scale. The mass production of smaller, affordable flags—intended for rallies, political events, and personal display—emerged with the election of Abraham Lincoln and accelerated rapidly with the onset of the Civil War. The 33-star flag sits squarely at the beginning of this transformation.

Taken as a whole, the 33-star flag occupies a uniquely compelling position in the history of American national flags. It represents the Union at a moment of profound tension—legally whole, yet politically fractured—while also marking the transition from large, utilitarian flags to smaller examples made expressly for public display and personal expression. Combined with its association with the opening chapter of the Civil War, its relatively brief official lifespan, and the bold medallion-style configuration seen here, the 33-star flag stands among the most historically resonant and visually distinctive star counts available to collectors today.

Conservation Process: This flag was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board.  To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the flag, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash.  The flag is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: The flag is housed in a solid birdseye maple frame, chosen for its warm tone and distinctive figured grain. Its restrained profile provides a clean, complementary presentation without distracting from the flag itself.

Condition Report: The flag presents with expected wear consistent with age and use, including overall fabric softening, light surface soiling, and moderate fraying along the edges. There is a small area of fabric loss and a short vertical tear within the striped field, accompanied by scattered minor holes and thread loss elsewhere. Despite these condition issues, the flag remains stable, visually compelling, and well suited for display.

Collectability Level: The Great – Perfect for Rising Collectors
Date of Origin: 1859-1861
Number of Stars: 33   
Associated War: Pre-Civil War
Associated State: Oregon   

Frame Size (H x L): 9.5” x 13”
Flag Size (H x L): 4.5” x 7.5”   

Offered is a 48-star American parade flag, printed on glazed cotton, notable for its early, non-regulated star arrangement and for the presence of handwritten inscriptions that record a specific Independence Day celebration. In addition to its patriotic function, this flag preserves contemporaneous written details relating to a local baseball game and Fourth of July festivities.

The handwritten inscriptions appear on both sides of the 48-star flag and are central to its significance. One side records the setting, participants, and date of the celebration, while the other reiterates the date and game details. Because portions of the writing are faint and partially obscured, the inscriptions are transcribed here verbatim so that the historical information is fully accessible.

The inscription on the side shown reads as follows:

Fireworks at
Harlows
G.B.S. & S.A.W.
H.A.H. & A.B.W. Went
July 4, 1903. Ball game
6 to 4 in favor of Kingfield.

The inscription on the other side reads as follows:

July 4, 1903.
H.A.H.
Ball game between Lexington &
Kingfield, 6 to 4 in favor of Kingfield.

Together, these inscriptions anchor the 48-star flag to a Fourth of July celebration in 1903 in western Maine. The named towns—Kingfield and Lexington—were neighboring rural communities, and holiday baseball games between such towns were a common feature of Independence Day observances at the turn of the twentieth century. These games were typically informal and locally organized, often accompanied by picnics and fireworks and held on private farms or open land rather than at formal municipal venues. The reference to “Harlows” is consistent with this practice and appears to denote a locally known family property used as the gathering site.

The recorded score—six to four in favor of Kingfield—suggests local pride and firsthand participation. A series of initials appears on both sides of the flag (G.B.S., S.A.W., H.A.H., and A.B.W.). While their specific identities remain unknown, such initials are typical of informal, personal inscriptions of the period and likely reference individuals present at, or involved in, the day’s events.

The 48-star count is anticipatory. This flag dates to 1903, nearly a decade before the 48-star flag became official on July 4, 1912, following the admission of New Mexico and Arizona earlier that year. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, American flag makers regularly anticipated future state admissions and produced flags reflecting projected star counts well in advance of official adoption. As a result, 48-star flags are known from the 1890s onward, long before the configuration was formally recognized.

Prior to June 24, 1912—when President Taft issued Executive Order 1556—there were no federal specifications governing star arrangement or flag proportions. Flag makers were free to arrange the stars within the canton as they saw fit, and proportions varied widely. Many early 48-star flags therefore display staggered or offset star patterns and elongated formats, characteristics present in this example and consistent with its early date of manufacture. Exact shades of red, white, and blue were likewise unregulated until 1934.

The 48-star flag holds a uniquely long and consequential place in American history. It became official on July 4, 1912, and remained the national flag for forty-seven years, until July 4, 1959, when Alaska prompted the adoption of the 49-star flag. During this extended period of use, the United States experienced many of the defining events of the twentieth century, including World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, all fought under the 48-star flag. Eight U.S. presidents served while it was the official national emblem, and for many Americans it became the flag most closely associated with the country’s emergence as a global power.

Seen in this light, the presence of a 48-star flag at a small-town Fourth of July celebration in 1903 feels notably forward-looking. Long before the star count became official—and decades before it would fly during some of the nation’s most consequential moments—this flag was already in use as part of everyday civic life, carried and written upon by ordinary Americans marking a summer holiday with baseball and fireworks.

Importantly, this is the exact 48-star flag illustrated and discussed in The Stars and Stripes: Fabric of the American Spirit by J. Richard Pierce. Pierce is widely regarded as one of the foremost private collectors and scholars of American parade flags, and his collection—formed over decades—has served as the basis for exhibitions and scholarship at major institutions. Inclusion in his work places this flag within a rigorously studied and well-documented corpus of American textiles.

The flag is also referenced in a published article in Antiques & The Arts and was publicly exhibited as part of The Stars and Stripes: Fabric of the American Spirit, including exhibitions at Hancock Shaker Village and Morven Museum & Garden. These references establish the flag as a documented and exhibited example.

Taken together, the anticipatory 48-star count, early production characteristics, precise date, named towns, recorded score, handwritten inscriptions, and published exhibition history place this flag within the broader context of American flag-making, early baseball culture, and Independence Day traditions at the turn of the twentieth century.

Conservation Process: This flag was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board.  To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the flag, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash.  The flag is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: The flag is housed in an early frame with a dry black surface, dating to approximately the 1840s. The frame is constructed from four straight lengths of molding joined at the corners rather than mitred, a method associated with utilitarian framing practices of the period.

Condition Report: The flag presents with honest wear consistent with age and use. There is a small hole near the fly end, located beneath the handwritten reference to Harlows, as well as a small vertical tear between the letters “g” and “f” in “Kingfield.” Additional minor fading and surface wear are present throughout, but the flag remains stable, legible, and visually appealing, with the inscriptions and star field clearly intact.

Collectability Level: The Great – Perfect for Rising Collectors
Date of Origin: 1903  
Number of Stars: 48
Associated War: WWI, WWII, and Korean War
Associated State: Arizona

Frame Size (H x L): 14.5” x 18.5”
Flag Size (H x L): 8.75” x 10.5”

Offered is a 44-star American silk parade flag produced for the presidential election of 1892 and overprinted with a portrait of Republican candidate Benjamin Harrison, along with a facsimile of his signature and the campaign year, “1892.”

Printed on silk and intended for parade or public display, this flag represents a documented form of late-19th-century political ephemera that integrates national symbolism, portrait imagery, and campaign identification within a single textile. The canton contains forty-four white stars arranged in regular rows on a blue field, corresponding to the official star count following Wyoming’s admission to the Union in 1890. Harrison’s portrait is printed directly across the striped field, visually linking the candidate to the national flag in a manner consistent with campaign display practices of the period.

The portrait used on this flag is derived from a painted likeness by Eastman Johnson, executed circa 1889 and associated with the National Portrait Gallery. Johnson was a prominent American artist of the 19th century, and the use of his painted portrait as the basis for campaign imagery reflects a common practice of adapting established presidential likenesses for political ephemera. The source of the portrait confirms that the image was not a generic engraving but one grounded in an officially recognized representation of the candidate.

This Harrison portrait flag is documented in authoritative reference works on American political textiles and is represented in major institutional collections. An example of this flag is held by the Smithsonian Institution, within its Division of Political History. Additional examples are documented in the Pierce Collection, one of the most significant private collections of American parade flags and political cloth. The appearance of this flag in both institutional and private reference contexts establishes it as a recognized campaign type rather than an isolated or undocumented variant.

The underlying 44-star silk flag used for this Harrison example was manufactured as a standardized base and later adapted through overprinting. The same base flag was also used for the 1892 Democratic campaign of Grover Cleveland, substituting Cleveland’s portrait and signature while retaining the identical star field and stripe layout. Outside of politics, this flag format appears with other period overprints, including a commemorative example marking the one-hundredth performance of actor John Drew, as well as a salesman’s sample intended to demonstrate advertising possibilities on parade flags. These related examples illustrate the commercial practices of late-19th-century flag makers, who produced high-quality patriotic textiles that could be customized for different clients and purposes.

A notable feature of the Harrison and Cleveland campaign flags is the method of overprinting. Unlike most political parade flags of the era, which were typically overprinted in black ink after the base flag was produced, the portrait and text on this flag were printed in blue ink matching that of the canton. This approach results in a unified visual treatment and distinguishes this group of flags from more common black-overprinted campaign examples.

The election of 1892 provides relevant historical context for this flag. It marked a rematch between incumbent president Benjamin Harrison and former president Grover Cleveland, following Cleveland’s defeat in 1888. The campaign centered on economic policy and tariffs, and Cleveland’s victory made him the only president in U.S. history to serve two non-consecutive terms. Campaign materials from this election reflect a period in which political messaging increasingly relied on mass-produced visual objects intended for public display.

Silk parade flags from the 19th century survive in limited numbers due to the inherent fragility of the material and their intended use. This example remains a clear and legible representation of a documented 1892 campaign design, supported by reference literature and institutional comparators. Its silk construction, identifiable portrait source, and established place within a known family of related flags make it a representative example of American political textiles from the late 19th century.

Conservation Process: The flag was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board.  To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the flag, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash.  The flag is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: The flag is housed in an early frame with a dry black surface, dating to approximately the 1840s. The frame is constructed from four straight lengths of molding joined at the corners rather than mitred, a method associated with utilitarian framing practices of the period.

Condition Report: The silk shows expected age-related wear, including a few small holes. There is a horizontal tear that begins just to the left of Harrison’s portrait at approximately nose level and extends toward the ear. Despite these condition issues, the textile remains stable, attractive, and visually cohesive.

Collectability Level: The Great – Perfect for Rising Collectors 
Date of Origin: 1892  
Number of Stars: 44 
Associated State: Wyoming

Price: Call 618-553-2291, or email info@bonsellamericana.com
Frame Size (H x L): 12.5” x 19.5”
Flag Size (H x L): 7” x 12”

Offered is a 46-star flag printed on silk, displaying a vibrant blue canton and deep red stripes. The stars are arranged in an 8-7-8-8-7-8 lineal configuration. Those in the first, third, fourth, and sixth rows tilt slightly to the 11:00 position, while those in the second and fifth rows tilt toward 1:00, creating the subtle movement often seen in printed silk parade flags.

The flag features an overprint across the lower white stripes. An overprint is text applied directly to the surface of an existing flag—either the canton or stripes—and appears most frequently on cotton, silk, or paper parade flags produced between roughly 1860 and the early 1900s. Overprints were used for political campaigns, fraternal organizations, civic events, commercial promotions, and historical anniversaries. The text on this example, printed across the bottom three white stripes, reads:

ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE
BIRTHDAY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN, FEBRUARY 12, 1909
LINCOLN PARK CHAPTER, No. 177, R.A.M.

The text marks the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Born February 12, 1809, in Hardin County, Kentucky, Lincoln spent his early years on Sinking Spring Farm and Knob Creek. His father, Thomas Lincoln—a carpenter and farmer—faced repeated land-title disputes, a common challenge in early Kentucky. These difficulties, along with clearer property laws in the Indiana Territory, led the family to relocate there in 1814. It was in Indiana that Lincoln’s formative years unfolded, shaped by manual labor, limited schooling, and exposure to frontier legal and social conditions.

By 1909, Lincoln had long been established as a central figure in American history, and the centennial of his birth was widely observed. States formed official commissions; cities organized parades, exhibitions, school programs, and public addresses; and numerous organizations produced commemorative items such as medals, badges, banners, and printed textiles. These efforts reflected the period’s interest in national memory and civic instruction.

The issuing body identified on this flag—the Lincoln Park Chapter No. 177 of the Royal Arch Masons—participated in Chicago’s local centennial activities. Royal Arch Masonry, part of the broader Masonic tradition, emphasized moral instruction, civic engagement, and charitable work. Fraternal organizations played a significant role in public life in the early 20th century, often sponsoring patriotic events and distributing commemorative materials. Overprinting a 46-star flag for the Lincoln Centennial was consistent with national practice, in which existing patriotic forms were adapted to mark historical anniversaries.

The 46-star count represents the admission of Oklahoma to the Union. Oklahoma became a state on November 16, 1907, and the 46-star flag became official on July 4, 1908, following the federal rule that new stars appear on Independence Day after admission. The region’s path to statehood was complex. Indian Territory had been established as a destination for tribes removed from the Southeast, including the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole. Under the Dawes Act and related legislation, tribal lands were allotted to individuals, and large “surplus” tracts were opened to non-Native settlement. The Indian Appropriations Act of 1889 authorized the first major opening of these lands and led to the Oklahoma Land Rush. Those who entered early came to be known as “Sooners,” a term later associated with the state.

Population growth, rail expansion, and federal policy ultimately led to the consolidation of Oklahoma Territory and Indian Territory into a single state. Although the 46-star flag became official in 1908, manufacturers prepared for statehood in advance, producing 46-star designs prior to formal adoption—a widespread practice in the flag trade.

The 46-star flag flew during the presidencies of Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft. Its period of official use was short, ending on July 4, 1912, when the 48-star flag superseded it after the admission of New Mexico and Arizona. The brief lifespan of the 46-star flag, combined with transitional national conditions at the time, contributes to its relative scarcity among parade flags of the period.

Overprinted 46-star parade flags are rarer still. Overprinting required an additional production step, was commonly done for a single event or organization, and these flags were typically used in outdoor processions where loss and damage were common. When paired with a specific Lincoln Centennial reference and a clear issuing chapter, the result is a well-documented and desirable example. Few 46-star parade flags survive with fraternal overprints of this type, and fewer still in the level of condition seen here.

Another example of this particular flag is highlighted in Richard Pierce’s collection and featured in a full page photo on page 56 of his book, the Stars and Stripes: Fabric of the American Spirit. Pierce has been collecting American parade flags since 1991, and has one of the leading collections thereof.

Conservation Process: This flag was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board.  To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the flag, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash.  The flag is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: The flag is housed in an antique ripple-molded frame dating to the mid-19th century. The surface exhibits a dark, burnished finish with characteristic undulating contours that catch light and emphasize the period workmanship.

Condition Report: The flag survives in outstanding condition, with strong, saturated colors and exceptionally well-preserved silk. The overprint remains crisp and clear, and the fabric shows only minimal, age-appropriate handling. Overall, it is an unusually fine example when compared to most surviving 46-star parade flags of this period.

Collectability Level: The Best – Perfect for Advanced Collectors
Date of Origin: 1909
Number of Stars: 46
Associated State: Oklahoma

Frame Size (H x L): 12.25” x 10”
Flag Size (H x L): 2.5” x 3.5” and Affixed to a 6” Staff

Offered is a scarce and visually striking 36-star antique American parade flag, printed on coarse cotton and presented on its original wooden staff. Parade flags such as this were made for short-term patriotic display at parades, political rallies, celebrations, and inaugurations. Despite their ephemeral purpose, they remain among the most evocative and collectible forms of 19th-century Americana.

The stars on this flag are arranged in what is known as a medallion configuration—a visually arresting layout favored during the mid-19th century. At the center of the canton is a large star, encircled by two concentric rings: the inner ring features 10 stars, while the outer ring contains 17. Completing the design are corner stars flanking the medallion. While medallion patterns were especially popular between 1861 and 1876, they largely disappeared from production by 1890, replaced by more uniform rows and columns. Their ornate, almost celebratory feel sets them apart from the rigid star alignments of later eras.

This specific example bears 36 stars, representing the admission of Nevada into the Union. Though Nevada officially joined on October 31, 1864, the 36-star flag did not become official until July 4, 1865—just after the conclusion of the Civil War. Nevada’s statehood was strategically timed. Politically, it was intended to support President Abraham Lincoln’s 1864 re-election and to solidify Republican control during Reconstruction. Economically, the state’s immense silver reserves were seen as critical to financing the Union war effort and addressing postwar debt.

The 36-star flag served as the nation’s official flag for two years, from July 4, 1865, to July 3, 1867. During this time, it flew over a country grappling with the aftermath of the Civil War and beginning the long road toward Reconstruction. It was also used by the U.S. military during the final months of the war. The 37-star flag, recognizing Nebraska’s statehood, would succeed it on July 4, 1867.

Extremely close inspection of this example reveals important details about its manufacture. The flag is printed on a coarse, plain-weave cotton consistent with mid-19th-century domestic cloth. The pigments sit visibly atop the fibers, pooling around the yarn intersections in a manner characteristic of early block or stencil printing rather than later roller-printed methods. The blue displays the dark, slightly green-cast tone associated with Prussian blue, and the red carries the matte, mineral quality of iron-oxide pigments—both typical of inexpensive patriotic printing of the period. Uneven pressure during the print strike softens some stars and enhances others, creating subtle mis-registration that underscores its hand-guided, utilitarian origins.  

Conservation Process: The flag was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board.  To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the flag, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash.  The flag is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: The flag is housed in an early American, splined-miter frame dating to approximately 1830–1860, retaining its original lampblack or ‘dry black’ surface. The hand-cut joinery, early iron hanging hardware, and oxidized hardwood construction are all consistent with antebellum rural framing practices.

Condition Report: The flag survives in honest condition with scattered small losses and light surface wear typical of early printed parade flags on open-weave cotton. Most distinctive is the originally irregular top edge, where the trimming or print strike cuts partially into the canton and grazes the upper red stripe — a characteristic result of the rudimentary, hand-guided production methods used for these inexpensive flags. Despite its modest imperfections, it retains strong visual character and an appealing, untouched presentation.

Collectability Level: The Great – Perfect for Rising Collectors 
Date of Origin: 1864-1867 
Number of Stars: 36  
Associated War: Civil War (1861-1865) 
Associated State: Nevada

Frame Size (H x L): 14” x 17”
Flag Size (H x L): 6.5” x 9.25”   

Offered is a remarkable 38-star printed silk parade flag commemorating the Twentieth Reunion of the 12th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry, held at Gilmanton Iron Works, New Hampshire, on Friday, September 25th, 1885. It is overprinted with the following inscription:

TWENTIETH REUNION,
12TH N. H. VOLS.,
GILMANTON IRON WORKS, N. H.,
FRIDAY, SEPT. 25TH, 1885.

The “12TH N. H. VOLS.” refers to the 12th New Hampshire Infantry Regiment, a Union Army unit mustered in at Concord in September 1862 and mustered out in June 1865. The regiment saw heavy combat in several major engagements, including Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. At Chancellorsville, it was the last unit under General Sickles’ command to withdraw from the field—suffering 69 killed and 250 wounded out of 580 men engaged. At Gettysburg, the 12th held ground north of the Klingel Farm under fierce attack by the Alabama Brigade, with 26 killed, 73 wounded, and 6 additional deaths from wounds among its 224 participants.

The reference to a “Twentieth Reunion” suggests the regiment began annual gatherings in 1866, immediately following the war. While most Civil War veteran flags feature overprints from the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), this example is unusual in that it references a specific regimental reunion. Moreover, it predates the more commonly encountered GAR reunion flags, most of which date to the early 20th century.

The flag’s canton features a rare and desirable “Great Star” pattern—an arrangement where smaller stars form the outline of a larger five-pointed star. This example includes 25 stars forming the outer shape, 5 within its interior, 4 interstitial stars surrounding the main form, and 4 canted corner stars. The slight asymmetry and open gaps likely allowed space for a future star, symbolizing the evolving Union.

The Great Star configuration is credited to U.S. Navy Captain Samuel Chester Reid, who proposed the design in 1818 while advising Congress on flag standardization. Reid's ideas helped shape the Flag Act of 1818, which fixed the number of stripes at thirteen and mandated that a new star be added for each new state on the July 4th following its admission. While his favored star pattern was not codified in law, the Great Star design became popular for its visual impact, especially when flown at sea. Though it saw greatest use in the 1840s, it remained in occasional production through the Centennial era. The last known commercial use of the pattern appeared on 38-star flags.

A matching example to the flag offered here was discovered in its original shipping tube bearing a two-cent stamp and the printed return address:

From
R.W. MUSGROVE,
Book and Job Printer.

R.W. Musgrove, a Civil War veteran and editor of the Bristol Enterprise, is confirmed to have produced these flags. To attribute a 19th-century printed flag to a specific maker is exceedingly rare and adds significant historical value.

The 38-star count represents the admission of Colorado to the Union on August 1, 1876, with the flag becoming official on July 4, 1877. The 38-star flag remained official through 1889 and into mid-1890, covering the administrations of Presidents Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Cleveland, and Harrison. Though the 37-star flag was official during the nation’s Centennial in 1876, both the 13-star and 38-star flags were widely used to commemorate the event, especially by manufacturers eager to anticipate Colorado’s statehood.

The Centennial celebrations of 1876 ignited a renewed national pride. Cities hosted parades, homes were decorated in patriotic colors, and flags became a central symbol of unity and identity. The most prominent celebration was the Centennial International Exposition in Philadelphia, which attracted nearly 10 million visitors and introduced marvels such as the Corliss Steam Engine and Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone.

This flag, dating to 1885, stands apart as an early and regimental-specific veteran reunion artifact—bearing direct connection to one of the war’s hard-fought Union regiments, with a star pattern rooted in early 19th-century naval heritage. It is a compelling piece of Civil War memory.

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

Frame: The flag is mounted in a birdseye maple frame, likely dating to the mid-to-late 19th century, with a distinctive swirling grain and warm amber tone.

Condition Report: The flag is in good overall condition, with solid color retention and a clearly legible overprint. The silk exhibits typical age-related wear, including light creasing, a few small splits, and scattered staining—most notably some faint gold-toned discoloration.

Collectability Level: The Extraordinary – Museum Quality Offerings
Date of Origin: 1885
Number of Stars: 38  
Associated War: The Indian Wars (1860-1890)  
Associated State: Colorado

Frame Size (H x L): 13” x 15.5”
Flag Size (H x L): 5” x 8”

Offered is a thirty-six star flag with the following outstanding overprint:

PRESIDENT,
HORATIO SEYMOUR.
VICE PRESIDENT,
GEN. F. P. BLAIR

The overprint is in reference to Democrats Horatio Seymour and Francis Preston Blair, who—in the 1868 presidential election—ran against Republicans Ulysses S. Grant and Schuyler Colfax.

Seymour and Blair won just 80 electoral votes and 47.34% of the popular vote, while Grant and Colfax won 214 electoral votes and 52.66% of the popular vote. The contrast in the electoral votes was expected, but the proximity of the popular vote was surprising—particularly given that newly enfranchised freedmen voted almost exclusively for Grant and Colfax, and further given that many Southern whites, who would have voted almost exclusively for Seymour and Blair, had been temporarily disenfranchised at the time of the election (i.e., those in Texas, Mississippi, and Virginia, the states that had not yet been restored to the Union). The leading explanation for the proximity of the popular vote is that whites—both Northern and Southern—must have voted for Seymour and Blair more often than had been anticipated.

This flag is exceptional for at least the following reasons:

First, campaign flags are the most desirable of all flags. The first campaign flags were made in 1840 and were associated with the William Henry Harrison campaign. In 1890, a bill was introduced that attempted to prevent the desecration of the flag by printing, painting, or advertising for public display or private gain. The bill failed. In 1895, a similar bill was introduced, but likewise failed. Finally, in 1905, a bill passed outlawing the use of marks and portraits on the flag, coat of arms, and other insignia of the United States. With this background in mind, campaign flags are especially difficult to acquire, because they were only made between 1840 and 1905. And in reality, most examples that surface are from a narrower time frame between 1860 and 1890.

Second, the subject flag is particularly rare, even for a campaign flag. It is the only example that we have encountered, and it went undocumented in the Threads of History, written by Herbert Ridgeway Collins, former curator of the Division of Political History at the Smithsonian Institution. Escaping documentation therein was difficult, being that Collins corresponded with 1000’s of collectors, museums, and universities, in his attempt to catalog every political textile. In total, he documented 1500 examples, dating from 1775 to 1979, yet this flag—and all Seymour-Blair flags, but for one—went under his radar, almost certainly as a function of their rarity.

And third, its stars are arranged in a wonderful medallion pattern. The large star in the middle is referred to as a “center star.” The center star represents the newest state added to the Union (e.g., Nevada in the case of this thirty-six star flag). Surrounding the center star is a pair of concentric rings of stars, and surrounding the rings are four flanking stars positioned in the corners of the canton.

CONSTRUCTION
The flag offered herein is printed on coarse glazed cotton. The stripes and overprint were block stamped. The canton is a dusty blue and the stripes are essentially orange. The orange is a result of the use of either madder or cochineal to create the red dye. Such dye was commonly used to make flags between 1850 and 1880. The First Flag Act of 1777 specified the flag’s general colors, but it did not specify the exact shades thereof. For this reason, some flags—like this one—have unusual colors, per the modern eye. The exact shades were not officially specified until 1934.

The overprints are in black across the white stripes and notably a portion of the “HORATIO” overprint appears to overlap one of the red stripes. This suggests that the red stripes were applied, perhaps along with the blue canton, and the campaign overprints were applied sometime thereafter, maybe even years later. In some instances, surplus flags would lie dormant awaiting the next campaign season, patriotic burst, or overprint request.

STAR COUNT
Flags made for the 1868 campaign have surfaced with thirty-four, thirty-six, and thirty-seven stars (and perhaps others). In 1868, the official star count was thirty-seven. As such, this is the most logical count for an 1868 campaign flag. The lower star counts of thirty-four and thirty-six can be explained via the following theories:

First, these lower star counts may have been leftovers associated with the burst of parade flags produced during the Civil War. In a time of frugality—and 1868 would have been such a time given its proximity with respect to the Civil War, not to mention the rugged nature of the 19th century generally—a maker would sell whatever he had, and a buyer would purchase whatever was available.

Second, these lower star counts may have been made with older printing blocks. Cutting blocks was an arduous task. Thus, makers sometimes used older blocks in later years, both to save the time and minimize the effort associated with making new blocks.

And third, there was a general randomness with respect to star counts in 19th century flags, more so with flags dating to 1870 and earlier, and less so with flags dating to 1870 and later. Neither makers nor buyers were particularly disciplined with respect to star counts, perhaps in part because the star count changed so frequently in the 19th century, and perhaps in part because early flags were crude in every respect, the star count being no different.

The subject flag has thirty-six stars, likely because of one of these three theories. Under the first theory, this flag may have been made in 1864 or 1865, and then left in storage until it was overprinted in 1868 and distributed. Under the second and third theories, this flag may have been made in 1868. As viewed from these outer bounds, the underlying flag would date to between 1864 and 1868.

In any event, the overprint would have been applied in 1868, following the nominations of Seymour and Blair (i.e., after the flag was taken from storage or immediately after the flag was printed, depending on the circumstances).

THIRTY-SIX STAR FLAGS
The thirty-six star flag represents the inclusion of Nevada to the Union. Nevada was admitted on October 31st, 1864, and this flag became official on July 4th, 1865. Nevada was originally part of the Utah Territory beginning in 1850, became its own territory in 1861, and became its own state in 1864.

The timing of Nevada's inclusion was politically and economically based. For political reasons, Nevada was admitted to the Union just eight days prior to President Lincoln's re-election bid against General George McClellan. Such timing was meant to benefit Lincoln and his fellow Republicans. For economic reasons, Nevada was included as part of the Union to help it pay off the country’s war debts. Economically, Nevada was particularly attractive at the time, because of its significant silver mining industry. Nevada expanded its borders in 1866 when the western Utah Territory was added to its eastern side, and further expanded in 1867 when a portion Pah-Ute County in the Arizona Territory was added to its southern side.

The thirty-six star flag was the official flag for the last six months of the Civil War, and it was used by the military during that time. It was also the official flag during a portion of the Reconstruction era. Ultimately, the thirty-six star flag was official until July 4th, 1867, the time at which the thirty-seven star flag became official and began to represent the inclusion of Nebraska in the Union.

Conservation Process: This flag was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board. To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the flag, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash. The flag is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: This offering is in a mahogany veneer frame. It has a brown and red finish and dates to the 1840s.

Condition Report: There is discoloration in the upper-left quadrant of the canton. There are vertical stripes of fading, the first two of which are under the canton, and the other three of which are to the right of the canton. The stripes of fading may be original to the flag (i.e., manufacturing related). They are more noticeable in the photos than in person. There are a few small stains across the surface of the flag with the most noticeable one being over a portion of “VICE.” Given the age and rarity of the subject flag, it is highly desirable despite these issues.

Collectability Level: The Best – Perfect for Advanced Collectors
Date of Origin: 1864-1868
Number of Stars: 36
Associated State: Nevada

Frame Size (H x L): 13.25” x 17”
Flag Size (H x L): 7.5” x 10.5”

Offered is an American parade flag bearing an anticipatory 46-star count, printed on silk and overprinted to commemorate a specific civic and military event. The flag features a blue canton with white stars arranged in a lineal configuration, paired with red and white stripes. The stars display modest directional variation, a characteristic commonly encountered in printed parade flags of the late 19th century.

This example is overprinted with the following inscription:

Reception to the Fighting 20th, Topeka Kas., Nov. 2, 1899.  

The text identifies the flag as having been produced for a public reception held in Topeka, Kansas, welcoming home the 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry following its return from service in the Philippines. Contemporary Kansas records note that in November 1899 the regiment was formally received at the statehouse, confirming the civic nature and scale of the event referenced in the overprint.

The 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry was among the volunteer regiments raised during the Spanish-American War and remained on duty beyond the formal conclusion of that conflict, serving during the Philippine-American War. Regiments that experienced extended or active service were often described in period sources as “fighting” units, a term used contemporaneously to distinguish them from units whose service was brief or limited to stateside duty. The language employed in the overprint reflects this period usage.

Although the 46-star flag did not become official until July 4, 1908, following Oklahoma’s admission to the Union in November 1907, flag manufacturers routinely produced designs in advance of anticipated state admissions. These anticipatory star-count flags were a recognized and accepted part of the American flag trade. Oklahoma’s statehood was widely expected well before its formal admission, and 46-star designs were prepared for patriotic use accordingly.  

The overprint required a secondary printing step applied after the flag itself was produced, typically for a single event. Flags of this type were intended for short-term display during parades, receptions, and related public observances and were commonly subjected to outdoor use. Survival rates are low, particularly for examples with legible inscriptions tied to a specific regiment, place, and date.

This is the first parade flag we have encountered with this particular overprint. While it is not possible to state definitively that no others survive, examples of this exact type appear to be extremely limited in number. Whether unique or among only a few remaining, the flag represents a highly uncommon convergence of anticipatory manufacture and documented civic use.

Rather than serving as a generalized patriotic emblem, this flag documents a specific moment in Kansas and U.S. military history. Its star count reflects national expectation on the eve of statehood, while its overprint fixes it to a recorded homecoming reception honoring a returning regiment at the close of the 19th century.

Conservation Process: This flag was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board.  To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the flag, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash.  The flag is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: The flag is housed in a period-painted wooden frame with reeded molding and applied star corner blocks, a style commonly produced in the early 20th century. The form and decorative elements are consistent with examples dating to circa 1900–1920, including the World War I era. The surface shows expected age and wear appropriate to its period.

Condition Report: The flag shows expected age-related wear consistent with use, including light soiling and scattered minor stains, most noticeable in the white stripes. Colors remain strong overall, and the fabric is stable, with the overprint clear and fully legible. There are no significant losses or structural issues that detract from display.

Collectability Level: The Great – Perfect for Rising Collectors
Date of Origin: 1899
Number of Stars: 46
Associated State: Oklahoma

Frame Size (H x L): 12” x 16”
Flag Size (H x L): 6” x 9.75”

Offered is an early-20th-century American flag commemorating the Opening Game of the 1911 Eastern League season, contested between the Providence Grays and the Buffalo Bisons, played on April 21, 1911. The flag documents a specific civic and sporting event and reflects the intersection of professional baseball, state politics, and patriotic display in the early twentieth century.

The flag is printed on glazed cotton, a calendared textile finish that compresses the fibers and produces a slight surface sheen. This finish was commonly used for commemorative and ceremonial flags of the period because it allowed for sharper ink definition and improved durability. The underlying cotton weave remains visible, consistent with commercial flag production of the era. The stars are arranged in a staggered configuration, a layout frequently employed by early-twentieth-century flag makers. While star arrangements were not yet federally standardized, staggered patterns were widely favored for their visual balance and suitability for mechanical printing.

The flag bears a finely printed overprint reading, “Opening Game of the Season 1911,” followed by “April 21, 1911 | Providence 2 | Buffalo 0,” recording the final score of the contest. Beneath this appears the designation “House of Representatives,” followed, on a separate line, by the name “J. B. W. Wilder.” The inclusion of the final score establishes that the flag was produced after the game’s conclusion and functioned as a commemorative record of the event rather than a pre-game or in-stadium distribution. The overprint transforms the flag from a general patriotic textile into a document tied to a specific date, outcome, civic body, and individual.

The text is mechanically printed, but close inspection reveals minor variation among individual letterforms, indicating that the printing derived from a hand-lettered source. This method was common in small-batch commemorative textile production during the early twentieth century, in which lettering was first drawn by hand and then transferred mechanically using a stencil, plate, or roller. The result combines consistent ink application with subtle irregularities characteristic of hand-origin printing. The name and all text appear to be part of the original production and not later additions.

The two clubs represented were among the most established franchises in early twentieth-century minor-league baseball. The Providence Grays traced their origins to the nineteenth century and carried a name associated with Providence’s earlier major-league team of the 1880s, maintaining a strong local following and a reputation for competitive play within the Eastern League. The Buffalo Bisons, likewise, were one of the league’s cornerstone franchises, reflecting Buffalo’s status as a major industrial and transportation center. Both clubs occupied prominent roles within the Eastern League, which at the time was regarded as one of the strongest and most professionally organized minor leagues in the country, frequently serving as a proving ground for players and managers who would later advance to the major leagues.

The April 21, 1911 game marked the Opening Day of the Eastern League season. Contemporary newspaper coverage documents organized ceremonies surrounding the event, including parades, band performances, flag-raising, and the participation of state and municipal officials. In this period, Opening Day baseball games functioned as formal civic occasions as well as sporting contests, particularly in regional and minor-league cities where professional teams were closely tied to local identity and public life.

The name printed on the flag, Jacob B. Wilder, identifies a Rhode Island legislator representing Johnston who was active in state government during the 1910s. Legislative records confirm his service in the Rhode Island General Assembly, including later service in the State Senate. His association with the House of Representatives on this flag aligns with period practices, as legislators commonly served in both chambers over time. Attendance at prominent civic events such as Opening Day baseball games formed part of the public role of state officials, and the presence of Wilder’s name suggests that the flag was either presented to him or retained as a personal record of official participation.

The flag displays a 48-star canton, reflecting the impending admission of Arizona and New Mexico as states. Although the official 48-star flag did not become effective until July 4, 1912, manufacturers frequently anticipated changes in star count, particularly when statehood was imminent. This practice was common in commercial flag production during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, resulting in early examples of new star counts appearing before their official adoption.

Flags with 48-stars occupy a significant place in American flag history. The 48-star design remained the official national flag from 1912 until 1959, making it the longest-used star count in U.S. history. It was the flag flown during World War I, World War II, and throughout the Great Depression. As a result, 48-star flags are closely associated with major national, political, and military developments of the first half of the twentieth century. Early or pre-official examples are of particular interest for their placement within the transitional period preceding federal standardization.

This flag is notable for the way it brings together several distinct aspects of early-twentieth-century American life within a single object. It combines a national flag produced during a transitional moment in federal standardization, a documented professional baseball Opening Day, and the recorded participation of a state legislator and legislative body. In our experience, it is uncommon to encounter a single artifact that so clearly and directly unites patriotic display, organized sport, and political presence. Such objects were not produced in large numbers and rarely survive with this level of specificity. As a result, the flag represents a particularly strong example of Americana, illustrating how baseball, civic ritual, and public office intersected in everyday American culture during the Progressive Era.

Conservation Process: This flag was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board. To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the flag, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash. The flag is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: The flag is housed in an antique mahogany frame dating to the mid-19th century, with a flat profile and mitered corners typical of the period. The wood exhibits age-related wear and visible grain, consistent with long-term use, and the straightforward construction reflects utilitarian craftsmanship rather than later decorative styles.  

Condition Report: The flag is housed in an antique mahogany frame dating to the mid-19th century, with a flat profile and mitered corners typical of the period. The wood exhibits age-related wear and visible grain, consistent with long-term use, and the straightforward construction reflects utilitarian craftsmanship rather than later decorative styles.  

Collectability Level: The Great – Perfect for Rising Collectors
Date of Origin: 1911
Number of Stars: 48
Associated War: WWI
Associated State: Arizona