Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  38 HAND-SEWN, SINGLE-APPLIQUED STARS, A RARE SMALL SIZE FOR THE PERIOD, 1876-1889, COLORADO STATEHOOD

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): Approx. 63" x 79.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 52.25" x 68.5"
Description....:
38 HAND-SEWN, SINGLE-APPLIQUED STARS, A RARE SMALL SIZE FOR THE PERIOD, 1876-1889, COLORADO STATEHOOD:

38 star American National flag in a rare, small size for the period (1876-1889). The stars are made of cotton, hand-sewn, and single-appliqued. This means that they were applied to one side of the canton, then the blue fabric was cut from behind each star, folded over, and under-hemmed, so that one star could be viewed on both sides of the flag. Some flag enthusiasts have pointed to this construction method as a way of conserving fabric--a logical explanation in early America, where availability of materials and logistics were constant barriers--while others suggest that the real purpose was to make the flag lighter in weight. Whatever the case may be, I always find single-appliqued stars more intriguing because they are more visually interesting and because, when executed properly, they serve as evidence of a more difficult level of seam-work and stitchery. Note how the both the sewing itself and stretching of the fabrics over time has resulted in stars that have an interesting, crude quality that is more indicative of flags made during the Civil War and prior. For these reasons, this is precisely the kind of flag that appeals more to connoisseurs of early American textiles. By the 1890's, almost all flag-makers were sewing stars by machine. Some were still sewing by hand, but during the last decade of the 19th century, the single applique method was practically archaic in the flag-making trade.

The stripes and canton of the flag are made of wool bunting that has been piece with treadle stitching. The canton is constructed from two lengths of blue fabric, because blue wool bunting was only available in widths of eighteen inches. There is a twill cotton binding with two brass grommets for hoisting, along which is a blue inked stencil that reads "4 X 6" to indicate size.

During the 19th century, flags with pieced and sewn construction (as opposed to printed) were typically eight feet long or larger. This is because they were important in their function as signals, meaning that they needed to be seen and recognized from a great distance. Even flags made for decorative purpose were generally very large by today's standards. A small flag was six feet in length. Production of flags smaller than six feet, such as this example, was extremely limited. Since the average 19th century sewn flag can be cumbersome to frame and display in an indoor setting, many collectors prefer printed parade flags and smaller sewn flags, like this one, the size of which provides a good balance between visual impact and versatility.

The 38th state, Colorado, received its statehood on August 1st, 1876. This was the year of our nation's 100-year anniversary of independence. 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, held in Philadelphia in honor of the event. The 38 star flag became official in 1877 and was generally used until the addition of the Dakotas in 1889.

Mounting: The flag was stitched to 100% silk organza on every seam and throughout the star field for support. It was then sewn to a background of 100% cotton twill, black in color, which was washed to remove excess dye. An acid-free agent was added to the wash to further set the dye and the fabric was heat-treated for the same purpose.

Condition: There is very minor mothing throughout, minor foxing and staining, and very minor fraying. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Sewn 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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