Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  38 STARS, RARE MEDALLION & ROW COMBINATION, 1876 CENTENNIAL:

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 20" x 26"
Flag Size (H x L): 12.75" x 18"
Description....:
38 STARS, RARE MEDALLION & ROW COMBINATION, 1876 CENTENNIAL: 38 star American National Parade flag, printed on cotton. This is an extremely rare example of a row pattern with a wreath of smaller stars inserted in the center. I know of only five such flags to have survived, though others may exist. The colors of the flag are vibrant in dark scarlet red and royal blue. The particular wreath in the center of the configuration is comprised of five stars, roughly in the shape of a pentagon, with a single star in the center. Fanciful designs like this one seen in 38 star flags were almost certainly made for the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876. Quirky designs like this are exceptionally rare and highly desired by those collectors who focus on rare and beautiful 19th century parade flags. The 38th state, Colorado, gained its statehood on August 1st, 1876. The flag was official from July 4th, 1877 ? July 3rd, 1889. Because flag-making was a competitive venture, no one wanted to be making 37 star flags when others were making 38?s. Flag makers paid little heed to official star counts, and would have begun producing 38 star flags for the Nation?s Centennial sometime in the early part of 1876. This flag was probably produced in that year, both because the medallion and great star patterns are extremely rare after the Centennial, and because flag makers used more interesting designs for the 100-year anniversary of our nation?s independence. Mounting: The flag has been stitched to 100% cotton rag mat and placed in a sponge-decorated and gilded frame that dates to the 1830-1870 period. Spacers keep the textile away from the glass, which is u.v. protective. Condition: There are nicks in the fabric at the fly end where the tacks attached the flag to a wooden staff, accompanied by minor foxing, staining, and bleeding throughout. There are no serious condition issues, especially when considering the rarity of this example.
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: 1866-1889 Indian Wars
Price: No
 

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