Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
Sold Flags



  38 HAND-SEWN STARS, A RARE SMALL SIZE FOR THE PERIOD, 1876-1889, COLORADO STATEHOOD

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): n/a
Flag Size (H x L): 44" x 65.25"
Description....:
38 HAND-SEWN 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), with hand-sewn stars that have interesting graphic features. Note how the stars vary in shape and how many of their arms are especially pointy and slightly bent. Also note how the rows of 8-7-8-7-8 don't perfectly line up. These features add a nice level of folk quality to the overall design, as does the presence of 10 rope ties along the hoist, which were added by the owner.

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.

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.

Construction: The stars of the flag are made of cotton, hand-sewn, and double-appliqued (applied to both sides of the flag). The canton and stripes of the flag are made of wool bunting that has been pieced with treadle stitching. This construction is characteristic of the period and typical of most flags made for outdoor use. There is a heavy cotton binding along the hoist, with two original metal grommets, one at the top and one at the bottom. Between these are 10, tiny metal grommets that were added by a former owner, through which 10 loops of hemp rope were threaded and knotted to assist in keeping the hoist close to a staff.

Mounting: The flag has not yet been mounted.

Condition: There is very minor mothing throughout. Some of the stripes have separated from one-another at the fly end, where there is also some soiling. 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
 

Views: 2429