Abraham Lincoln: The Largest 1860 Lincoln & Hamlin Name Flag We Have Ever Encountered....

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Abraham Lincoln: The Largest 1860 Lincoln & Hamlin Name Flag We Have Ever Encountered. Measuring an imposing 31" x 22.5", this flag possesses a display presence which really must be seen "in the flesh" to be fully appreciated. It is not listed by Collins in Threads of History, but he does picture a presumed Stephen Douglas mate from the Lincoln National Life Foundation Collection, page 157, no. 293, as well as a somewhat smaller 28" x 17" Lincoln version of the same design, page 156, no. 292. However, we cannot recall seeing such a large-format 1860 Lincoln flag offered for sale.

Overall appearance is exceptional for the type, with strong colors and minimal hints of general aging. One tiny hole above "President." The flag has been slightly shortened on the right side, undoubtedly to even out edge damage. Interestingly, there are several old repairs made by using pieces from a second flag of the same type. There is a small rectangular such repair, measuring approximately 1" x 2", on the upper edge, and four sections have been pieced together and neatly sewn into place to restore an area measuring approximately 8" x 6" in the upper right-hand corner. A 2.5" x 1.5" piece from another Lincoln flag, bearing the identical letters "LN", has been sewn into place to restore the last two letters of "LINCOLN." It is important to note that this restoration was accomplished using original portions from another flag, not modern material.

Evaluating the overall appeal of most political flags from this era is a subjective process, since very few have survived in immaculate condition. In the case of this Lincoln flag, we feel that the size and fine general appearance easily outweigh the vintage repairs.