Description

#12537      36 Star Civil War Flag

Antique 36 Star American Flag, Military ordered & issued.

This flag is interesting as it has a museum number written on the back of the hoist MCR-261 with the name B. Wall.

It also has a large ink stamp on the back side of the hoist stating: CO. C OR GEN. F. FOSTER 217 SOUTH WATER ST CHICAGO ILL

I found a reference to a company at the above address that sold canvas and rope material & supplies. Based on all the products they sold they were probably  a supplier to the US Army during the civil war.

6’x9’

Wool flag , Stars are hand sewn linen. Treadle sewn stripes

Hand sewn double Appliqué 5” stars, Stripes are 6”

Handmade lead & brass hand pressed grommets.

Stripes are tattered in places.

Numerous stains & hoes throughout.

Canton is made of two panels

The flag has period ink writing on the canvas hoist.

The writing has been deciphered as the following detailed information.

The flag was apparently taken to the listed political events which we interpret as the nominating conventions for the respective Presidents/Campaigns/Elections

Hayes & Wheeler 1876

Rutherford B. Hayes, William A. Wheeler

 Garfield & Arthur 1880

James A. Garfield, Chester A. Arthur

 Blaine & Logan 1884

James G. Blaine, John A. Logan (prominently depicted in cyclorama!)

 Harrison & Morton, 1888

Benjamin Harrison, Levi P. Morton

 “Turns out that the initials on that 36-star flag were exactly as you suspected – presidential and vice-presidential nominees, Republican Party.  See below.  I’m assuming “Platteville” (Wisconsin) just refers to the local “Hays & Wheeler” Club.  Didn’t find anything on the name on the other side of the hoist – Sadie Rose____?  Roselief?  Roseliebe?  But in any case, it’s a political artifact, so that’s pretty cool. “

Comments made by the curator of the civil war department in a major civil war museum

36 Star Hand Sewn Civil War Flag

Voted into the Union on October 31, 1864    President: A. Lincoln