15 Star Parade Flag, commemorating Kentucky Statehood and/or the South in the Civil War, framed with a Civil War era envelope with printed flag decoration. The printed cotton flag measures 5 1/8" H x 7 3/4" W and features an unusual medallion configuration of large middle star in a circle of ten smaller stars, with four stars in each corner. Mounted and framed with a Civil War era envelope cover picturing a hog saddled with an American flag of similar configuration, stating WHOLE OR NONE, and measuring 3" H x 5 1/2" W. Both items housed together under glass in a whitewashed wooden frame, 15 3/4" H x 13 3/4" W. Note: Kentucky was admitted to the Union in 1792, as the 15th state. 15-star flags made prior to 1800 are extremely rare. This small parade flag in the unusual medallion configuration, which along with the envelope appears to date from the mid 19th century, may have been made in honor of the 15 states which seceded from the Union, leading to the Civil War. Note: For an identical example of the envelope, ref. Mastai, "The Stars and the Stripes," p. 151.

CONDITION: Flag and envelope have been adhered to backing. Header trimmed. Some pen writing en verso of flag. Possible tiny hole upper left of blue canton. Some color fading, including along crease lines at center and near fly end. Minimal fraying. Envelope in very good condition with toning, light grime.