34-Star U.S. Flag - "FT Foster, Maker", New York.
This is large wool, hand and machine sewn, double appliqué, 34-star flag with a rectilinear star field arranged 7-7-6-7-7 in horizontal rows. The flag iwas formerly part of the acclaimed collection of noted collector Harlan Crow's Crow Family Holdings collection of Dallas, Texas.
The increased demand for United States flags during the American Civil War outstripped the ability of traditional sources to meet the demand. Correspondingly, many manufacturers of other textiles stepped into the breach - makers of clothing, sails, tents and awnings - all tried their hands at flags. This flag is an example of a flag made by a textile manufacturer.
Marked "F.T Foster, Maker", this name cannot be found among the known flag makers of New York City during the American Civil War. It is however, quite possible that this maker is somehow connected to Henry L. Foster of New York City, who was a contractor for uniforms, greatcoats and insignias.
The large size of this flag, 114" X 156", would indicate private institutional or commercial use on a large building, as the dimensions do not comply with any military or naval specifications for flags.
Provenance:
• Made by FT Foster, 1863
• Acquired by Richard H. Keller who sold it to the Crow Art Partnership Collection, 1986.
• Acquired at auction from the Crow Art Partnership Collection, Dallas, Texas, via Heritage Auction Inc., at the 24 June 2007, Civil War Grand Format Auction, in Gettysburg, PA.
Sources:
34 Star Flag - (1861-1863) (U.S.), Flags of the World, 16 May 2012, from: http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/us-1861.html
Bazelon, Bruce S., William F. McGuinn, A Directory of American Military Goods Dealers & Makers 1785 - 1915, Combined Edition, Manassas, REF Typesetting & Publishing Inc, 1999.
Image Credits:
Zaricor Flag Collection
