RARE 40-STAR AMERICAN PARADE FLAG, glazed cotton muslin, printed with hand-stitched elements, inscribed "Dr. Crawford" in two places along edge. A copy of a 2006 article on Dr. John B. Crawford published in "Anthem" accompanies this lot. South Dakota, the 40th state, joined the Union on November 2, 1889, followed six days later by the 41st state, Montana, making 40-star flags of any type very rare. Circa 1889. 84" x 49" OA.
Provenance: From the Betty B. Demuth estate, Winchester, VA.
Catalogue Note: The present flag descended in the family of Major John Barclay Crawford (1828 - 1894) of Wyoming, Pennsylvania. Crawford maintained a small medical practice in the years prior to the outbreak of the Civil War and, heeding the call of duty, enlisted in early 1862 as an assistant surgeon with the rank of first lieutenant in the Union Army. Over the course of his tenure as a military surgeon, he served primarily at Camp Curtin in Harrisburg, but took many official trips into Virginia in fulfillment of duties. On one of these trips, he was tasked with the grim responsibility of identifying Union dead left on the field after the Battle of Ball's Bluff near Leesburg. Unable to complete the task due to the advanced stages of decomposition affecting the bodies, Crawford had the corpses buried properly and then returned to Pennsylvania for further orders. His report on the sensitive subject was published by Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Curtin in newspapers throughout the Keystone State in an effort to address the concerns of grieving family members. Dr. Crawford also served near Richmond and in South Carolina before his own medical issues caught up with him, and he was compelled to resign his position (by this point he had attained the rank of Major) and return to Pennsylvania to his small practice. Crawford remained in the area for the rest of his life with his wife and family. His Civil War archive was donated by the family to the National Civil War Museum in 2006, but the present flag remained with descendants until its recent consignment.

Very good condition with minor staining and areas of deterioration to fabric. Minor wear/losses to corners.