Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  38 STARS, MEDALLION CONFIGURATION WITH 2 OUTLIERS, COLORADO STATEHOOD, 1876-188

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 12.25" x 15.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 6" x 9.25"
Description....:
38 STARS, MEDALLION CONFIGURATION WITH 2 OUTLIERS, COLORADO STATEHOOD, 1876-1889:

38 star American parade flag, printed on coarse, glazed cotton, with a medallion star configuration. Specifically, this is a triple-wreath design, with three consecutive circles of stars surrounding a single, center star. Typically there are four flanking stars outside this type of pattern, one in each corner. Note that there are only two flanking on this example. This was done intentionally to leave room for the easy addition of two more states. Flag-makers felt that more Western Territories were soon to be added to the Union and eagerly anticipated their arrival.

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

Mounting: The solid walnut molding is especially early, probably dating to the last quarter of the 18th century or the 1st quarter of the 19th century. It has a steep, beveled profile with a beaded outer edge, mortised construction, and retains its original painted surface. The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% hemp fabric. Spacers keep the textile away from the glass, which is U.V. protective.

Condition: There is minor to moderate foxing and staining. Misprinting in the canton occurred which resulted in light printing toward the upper hoist-end corner. The affected area was professionally restored. 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: 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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