New England Auctions
Live Auction

NHADA Dealers Relief Auction

Thu, Apr 30, 2020 06:00PM EDT
Lot 16

Fine Large 34 Star Civil War Flag

Estimate: $500 - $1,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $25
$300 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
$300,000 $25,000
$500,000 $50,000
Fine Civil War 34 star flag. Approx 56" x 88". Circa 1865. Hand sewn. US shipping and insurance $25 Courtesy Hercules Pappachristos The 34-Star Flag became the official United States flag on July 4th, 1861. A star was added for the admission of Kansas (January 29th, 1861) and was to last for 2 years. The only President to serve under this flag was Abraham Lincoln (1861-1865). Below is the provenance from the consignor, also see attached image of note that accompanied the flag. I found the flag in the basement of a fine old Louisburg Square (Beacon Hill) brownstone ,Boston. It was wrapped in old brown paper and included the pictured note, (they got the number of stars wrong). This was and old unrestored five story building across the street from where Senator Kerry lives. In the attic I found papers and photos related to judge William Cushing Wait. He came from a long line of Massachusetts jurists going back to the 17th century. I’m not sure if the flag cane down through his side or his wife’s, Edith Foote Wright.