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  38 SCATTERED STARS IN AN HOURGLASS FORMATION, COLORADO STATEHOOD, 1876-1889

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 44.75" x 66"
Flag Size (H x L): 34.25" x54.5"
Description....:
38 SCATTERED STARS IN AN HOURGLASS FORMATION, COLORADO STATEHOOD, 1876-1889:

38 star American National parade flag, printed on coarse, glazed cotton. Because most parade flags were 3 feet and smaller, this one is uncommonly large. Note that the stars are arranged in rows of 7-6-6-6-7. Even though the four center rows have the same number of stars, the innermost two are slightly shorter. These are purposely graduated so that the overall profile is flared like an hourglass. Also note how the large, bold stars point in various directions on their vertical axis. Together these traits lend strong folk quality to the overall design.

The 38th state, Colorado, received its statehood on August 1st, 1876. This was the year of our nation's centennial of independence from Great Britain. Although 37 was the official star count for the American flag in 1876, flag-making was a competitive venture, and no one wanted to be making 37 star flags when others were making 38's. It is for this reason that 38 and 13 stars (to represent the original 13 colonies) are the two star counts most often seen at the Centennial International Exposition, the six-month long, World's Fair event, held in Philadelphia in honor of the anniversary. The 38 star flag became official in 1877 and was generally used until the addition of the Dakotas in 1889.

Mounting: The flag has been hand-sewn to 100% hemp fabric. It was then placed in a black painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The front is U.V. protective acrylic.

Condition: There is minor to moderate foxing and staining, accompanied by minor tears with associated loss and a moderate square of missing fabric in the top, hoist-end corner. Small patches of fabric were expertly painted and placed behind two of these areas for masking purposes. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use. In addition, the flag presents beautifully.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 38
Earliest Date of Origin: 1876
Latest Date of Origin: 1889
State/Affiliation: Colorado
War Association: 1866-1890 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

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