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  38 STARS IN AN EXTREMELY RARE "BEEHIVE" CONFIGURATION, AN EXTRAORDINARY EXAMPLE, 1876-1889, COLORADO STATEHOOD

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 30" x 39.75"
Flag Size (H x L): 19" x 28.75"
Description....:
38 STARS IN AN EXTREMELY RARE "BEEHIVE" CONFIGURATION, AN EXTRAORDINARY EXAMPLE, 1876-1889, COLORADO STATEHOOD:

38 star American national parade flag, printed on plain weave cotton. The stars are arranged in an extraordinarily rare variation of what I call a "Beehive" configuration, based on not only its visual appearance, but also its relationship to at least two other flags with different star counts, but having a similar appearance. This particular pattern consists of 6 rows of stars, all pointing upward, that form a basic beehive shape. There are 4 additional stars, smaller in scale, placed one in each corner. Each of these is canted at forty-five degrees. The bottom 2 may be helping to form the base of the hive, while the above 2 may represent worker bees.

The above theory would require a greater leap of faith if it were not for the existence of the two other versions that are of approximately equal rarity. One of these, in a count of 42 stars, adds 4 more stars to the exact design of this flag and looks even more like a beehive. Four of the beehive flags are known in that star count. One of these is documented in "The Stars & The Stripes: Fabric of the American Spirit" (J. Richard Pierce, LLC, 2005), p. ____.

A small group of parade flags is also known with 36 stars that may display a beehive or may display a "U" to represent the word "Union" for the purposes of Civil War sentiment. In this flag the beehive form is a bit less clear, but 2 stars appear offset at one end in a similar fashion and there are fewer stars at the opposite end, so that the overall appearance is similar and the relationship between the three designs (36, 38, and 42 stars) is clearly evident.

As a significant symbol within Freemasonry, the beehive is not such an unexpected element to incorporate into a flag design. It is a universal icon for hard work and industry. This was at the very forefront of American politics during this time period, when rapid improvements were made in the manufacturing sector and railroads stretched ever further throughout the Louisiana purchase. It was not the first use of a beehive in American flags, either, as several revolutionary period flags exist that contain its representation.

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. 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 flag has been hand-stitched to a background of 100% cotton twill, black in color. The black fabric 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. The mount was then placed in a black painted, hand gilded and distressed, contemporary Italian molding. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic.

Condition: There is minor to moderate foxing and staining throughout, accompanied by some losses along the white area at the hoist end, where the flag was affixed to a wooden staff, from which it obviously hung for an extended period. Many collectors prefer early flags to show their age and history of use. In addition, the fact that this flag is the only known example means that almost any condition is acceptable, especially when the flag presents as well as this one does.
Collector Level: Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything
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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