Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  44 STARS, MEDALLION CONFIGURATION, 1890-1896, WYOMING STATEHOOD

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 55.75" x 66.75"
Flag Size (H x L): 46.5" x 57.75"
Description....:
44 STARS, RARE SMALL SIZE, MEDALLION CONFIGURATION, 1890-1896, WYOMING STATEHOOD: 44 star American national flag with folk qualities that surpass almost all known examples in this star count. Three attributes contribute to its highly visual design. These include the placement of the stars, the vibrant shade of blue, and the squarish proportions of the flag. The stars are arranged in a beautiful medallion configuration. The maker intended there to be three wreaths of stars surrounding a single, center star, but the outermost wreath was left incomplete because the stars were too large for the available space. This circumstance sometimes occurs in homemade flags and, in most cases, adds a whimsical feature and modern art appeal when compared to other medallion designs. The 44th state, Wyoming, joined the Union on July 10th, 1890, and the 44 star flag was used from that year until 1896. For some reason, circular star patterns, like this one, were generally abandoned after 1876 on Stars & Stripes flags that had more than 13 stars. A number of printed flags exist with medallion designs, but they are scarce, and it is particularly rare to see a 44 star flag with sewn construction that has such a pattern. The size of the flag may appear large to the uninformed observer, but since most flags of the 19th century with sewn construction (as opposed to printed) are between 7 and 9 feet long and larger, this five foot flag is unusually small. Today a five foot flag is common, but in the 19th century its use as a signal was far more important to most flag-makers. This is the reason why flags were so much larger than they are today. Collectors generally prefer small flags because they can be framed and displayed in an indoor setting. The canton, stripes, and stars of the flag are all made of cotton and are treadle-sewn. Mounting: the flag is stitched to black 100% cotton twill. The cotton twill was washed in an acid-free solution, both to set the dye and remove any excess dye. The flag was then placed over archival materials in a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed, contemporary Italian molding. The front is u.v. protective plexiglas. Condition: Excellent. There are no significant condition issues.
Collector Level:
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 44
Earliest Date of Origin: 1890
Latest Date of Origin: 1896
State/Affiliation: Wyoming
War Association: 1866-1889 Indian Wars
Price: No
 

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