34 Star U.S. Flag - conversion from a 33 star flag, 1863.
This large, wool, single-appliqué 34 star flag was professionally made. Although it bears no makers mark, it is marked with a "15", presumably the size of the fly. This flag dates from 1859, and was originally a 33-star flag with the stars arranged in horizontal rows of 7-6-7-6-7.

Flags of 33 stars became current upon the admission of the State of Oregon in 1859, saw the start of the Civil War, and would remain official until the accession of Kansas in late 1861. The incredible demand for flags during the Civil War caused many businesses and individuals to convert their flags to an up-to-date star count. This particular flag was converted by someone other than the original maker. The 34th star is double- appliqué but applied perhaps more hastily than the original stars. The large size of this flag would almost certainly preclude personal use and was most likely used by a business or institution.

The conversion of flags by the addition of stars to an existing flag was a common practice in the 19th century, and was commonly practiced in order to make use of what materials people had on hand. They are indicative of American traits of ingenuity and thrift.

Provenance:
• Sold via Cowan's Auction, Cincinnati, Ohio, to the Zaricor Flag Collection, 2005.


ZFC Significant Flag

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