Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  38 STARS, COLORADO STATEHOOD, 1876-1889, WITH SCATTERED STAR POSITIONING SHARP PRINTING, AND STRIKING COLORS

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 13.25" x 16.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 6.75" x 10.25"
Description....:
38 STARS, COLORADO STATEHOOD, 1876-1889, WITH SCATTERED STAR POSITIONING SHARP PRINTING, AND STRIKING COLORS:

38 star American national parade flag, printed on coarse, glazed cotton. The stars are arranged in justified rows of 7-6-6-6-6-7. This results in a secondary pattern that I commonly call a "box-in-a-box-in-a-box", because of the way in which the seemingly haphazard arrangement creates three consecutive squares. Note how the stars point in various directions on their vertical axis, which adds a nice element of folk quality to the overall design. Also note how the sharp printing and the vibrant contrast of royal blue and sunfire red result in an unusually vibrant presentation. The orange overtones in the stripes result from the fact that the red pigment is colored with madder, which has a red-orange hue.

Colorado became the 38th state 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 honor of the anniversary, in Philadelphia. The 38 star flag became official on July 4th, 1877 and was generally used until the addition of the Dakotas in 1889.

Mounting: The solid walnut molding has a gilded liner and dates to the period between 1860 and 1880. The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton, black in color, that has been washed to reduce 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. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: There is minor foxing and staining throughout and there are a few very tiny holes, but there are no serious condition issues.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
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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