U.S 36 Star Flag - Flank Marker, 1865.
Both the size and the fact that this flag is fringed suggest that this is a small flank marker made to indicate the location of an infantry regiments flanks when in line of battle or on parade. Although the star representing Nevada's statehood would not officially be added to the canton of the U.S. flag until July 4th, 1865, Nevada had become the nations thirty-sixth state eight months earlier, and a few flag manufacturers recognized that occasion and added its star to the flags they made in the waning days of the Civil War.

President Lincoln in a smart polical move, pressed Nevada's statehood just a mere 8 days before the Presidential election. Nevada's affluence in silver was appealing to a war debt struggling nation as well as it would increase support for the Republican ticket. The U.S. 36 star flag was substituted with the U.S. 37 star flag by the addition of Nebraska to the union in the year 1867.

This flag, is delicately made, suggesting that it may have been prepared for one of the unit participating in the Grand Review of the Union Army, which took place in Washington, D.C. on the 24th and 25th of May, 1865. Unfortunately no record survives of which unit carried it, or precisely when or where it was made.

The gold painted stars looks like they are made of leather or paper stars. Flag is with fringe of 1.75 inch width. These features indicates an important US Army flag used during the period of the Plains Indian War 1865 - 1875. Some stars are missing but the outline of the missing stars is clearly vissible. Unique specimen of the period. Circa 1865/66.

Exhibition History:
First Presidio Exhibit
(ZFC0280)
36-Star United States Flag, Unit Flank Marker

Second Presidio Exhibit, 2003 - Gallery III
(ZFC0280)
36-Star United States Flag, Unit Flank Marker

Publication History:
Madaus, Howard M., Dr, Whitney Smith, The American Flag: Two Centuries of Concord and Conflict. Santa Cruz: VZ Publications, 2006, p.89.
36-Star United States Flag

Provenance:
• Sold at auction via James D. Julia Auctions, Portland, ME by the Zaricor Flag Collection, 1998.
Deaccessed at auction via Bonham's 21 November 2023, Auction #BOK23110NY, - 28447 -
Lot #106

Sources:


Bazelon, Bruce S., William F. McGuinn, A Directory of American Military Goods Dealers & Makers 1785 - 1915, Combined Edition, Manassas, REF Typesetting & Publishing Inc, 1999.

36 Star Flags, Flags of the World, 10 September 2012, from:
http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/us-1865.html

The Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System, National Park Service, 10 September 2012, from: http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/index.html

Image Credits:
Zaricor Flag Collection