Thirty-Seven Star Parade Flag with Extremely Rare "Great Star" Configuration

Lot Details & Additional Photographs

1867-1876, American parade flag with thirty-seven stars to commemorate Nebraska's inclusion in the Union beginning March 1, 1867, stars arranged in the "Great Star" pattern in the canton with (4) slightly larger corner stars, with gold fringe border along three sides; stitched to black fabric and presented for display along with a portion of the staff under plexiglas and in a gilt wooden frame. Information from Jeff R. Bridgman American Antiques pasted to the back of the frame.

Flag 8 1/2 x 12 in.; Frame dimensions 15 3/8 x 19 3/8 x 2 1/4 in.

Previously purchased from Jeff R. Bridgman American Antiques

The "Great Star" or "Grand Luminary" pattern was designed in 1818 by U.S. Navy Captain Samuel Chester Reid. His idea to use the smaller stars to create one larger star allowed flags to maintain visual consistency while accommodating additional stars being added to the canton as more states joined the Union.

Flag with staining (heaviest at left edge) and scattered tears and small losses; frame with some wear, staining to paper backing; not examined outside the frame.