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  38 STARS IN A DOUBLE WREATH PATTERN WITH A CROSS OF STARS IN THE CENTER, A RARE VARIATION, 1876-1889, COLORADO STATEHOOD

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 29" x 23"
Flag Size (H x L): 18" x 12"
Description....:
38 STARS IN A DOUBLE WREATH PATTERN WITH A CROSS OF STARS IN THE CENTER, A RARE VARIATION, 1876-1889, COLORADO STATEHOOD:

38 star American national parade flag, printed on cotton. The stars are arranged in what is known as a medallion configuration. Specifically this is a double wreath, with two rings of stars that surround a cross-hatch of 5 stars in the center. 4 more stars, one placed in each corner, flank the circular pattern. Note how the points of the stars in the outermost wreath are aligned arm-to-arm, so that a single point is facing outward and away from the center. The remainder of stars in the design are randomly oriented on their vertical axis.

Note how the color of the stripes is true red as opposed to a sunfire orange, which is more typical of printed flags in this period. The canton has faded to a blue grey, which contrasts nicely with their scarlet color. The presence of 4 flanking stars is also unusual. This stands in contrast to most 38 star medallion patterns, which have only 2 stars, leaving space open in two corners for the easy addition of more Western Territories.

In the 38 star period there were many styles of parade flags. Among them this is a rare variant, which I refer to as a "cross medallion," due to the uncommon arrangement in the center.

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 that year, 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. In addition, some flag-makers were actually producing 39 star flags, in hopeful anticipation of the addition of another Western Territory. 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 substantial profile and a gilded liner and dates to the period between 1860 and 1880. The flag has been hand-stitched to a background of 100% cotton twill, black in color. The cotton 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. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: There is minor soiling in the stripe field, but there are no serious condition issues.
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: Please call (717) 676-0545 or (717) 502-1281
 

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