34 Star Flag - Civil War Silk Bible Flag

 

34 Star American Civil War Bible Flag

Throughout the Civil War era, a number of small size flags were referred to as "Bible Flags”. These select American Flags were customary both in the North and the South and were typically hand made for a soldier by a mother, wife, sweetheart or sister and carried by the soldier in their personal Pocket Bible to remind them that loved ones were waiting for their return home.

This beautiful and rare, hand-sewn 34 Star Flag is slightly larger in size than that of a “Bible Flag” carried by soldiers. It was likely used as a bookmark for a specific passage of scripture in a family’s Home Bible and would undoubtedly remain in place until the soldier’s return.

History
Kansas was open to settlement as a territory in 1854 with popular sovereignty (popular vote). Most of the Kansas settlers were anti-slave or abolitionists but neighboring Missourians held many pro-slave ideals. When the Kansas citizens voted to determine whether Kansas would become a free state or slave state, many fraudulent votes were cast from Missouri, which triggered massive violence ultimately resulting in the name “Bleeding Kansas.” Both sides committed atrocities, and the fighting over the issue of slavery was a preview of the Civil War.

In 1861 Kansas, as a free state (no slavery), became the 34th State to join the Union.

Description
 Flag is made of silk and measures 11.5” x 7”; Canton beautifully displays 34 hand-embroidered silk double appliqued stars; Hand sewn and machine lock stitching attach the gold color cotton silk thread fringe surrounding the flag, the black thread running through the gold fringe is machine lock stitching and made of a cotton silk blend; Gilded frame size 21 1/8” x 17 ¾”; the flag is pressure mounted on a 100% washed cotton fabric affixed on an acid free, archival backing.
Note: Determination of historical period and thread fabric confirmed by use of microscopy.

Condition
Overall great condition with typical minor wear for this period; fracturing on the first stripe and center vertical fold; minimal size hole apprx 1/8 x 1/8 on the 3rd stripe; marginal staining on the fly.

Email: jtfrancis.com@gmail.com

Item: 13-718-133