1850 Basset Chart of the Flags of Nations

A vexillogical chromolithograph delight, this is an extremely rare separate issue c. 1862 flags of world nations chart. Flags are broken up by region, with French flags at top, followed by England and other European powers, followed by African, Asian, and American flags. Among the more interesting flags are the Russian Postal Ensign, the white elephant flag of Siam (Thailand), the Cockerel flag of Pegu (Burma), and the Dragon flag of China. A large wind rose appears at top center.

The U.S. Flags

The flag of the United States is the 34-star flag, inaugurated with the admission of Kansas as a state, in 1861. By 1863, with the admission of West Virginia, it was replaced with a 35-star Flag. It also shows an uncommon flag with vertical strips and an eagle - this is probably the U.S. Customs Ensign.

Chromolithography

Chromolithography is a color lithographic technique developed in the mid-19th century. The process involved using multiple lithographic stones, one for each color, to yield a rich composite effect. Oftentimes, the process would start with a black basecoat upon which subsequent colors were layered. Some chromolithographs used 30 or more separate lithographic stones to achieve the desired effect. Chromolithograph color could also be effectively blended for even more dramatic effects. The process became extremely popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when it emerged as the dominate method of color printing.

Publication History and Census

This chart was issued in 1862 by Maison Basset. It was engraved and lithographed J. Kuppenheim Lithographie and Lithographie Boucher. While the chart is undated, we were able to date it based upon the U.S. American Civil War flags depicted. This chart is exceedingly rare with this being the only known example.