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  38 STARS ON A LARGE SCALE PARADE FLAG, COLORADO STATEHOOD, 1876-1889

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 31.5" x 46.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 21.5" x 36.5"
Description....:
38 STARS ON A LARGE SCALE PARADE FLAG, COLORADO STATEHOOD, 1876-1889:

38 star American national parade flag, printed on coarse cotton, in an especially large size. The stars are arranged in justified rows of 6-7-6-6-7-6. Note how they point in various directions on their vertical axis, which adds a nice measure of folk quality to the flag's design.

The 38th state, Colorado, received its statehood on August 1st, 1876. This was just 28 days after the official centennial celebration, which took place on July 4th. Although 37 was the official star count 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 counts of 38 and 13 (to reference the original 13 colonies) stars are more often seen on flags made in the year of the centennial. Some makers were actually producing 39 star flags, in hopeful anticipation of the addition of another Western Territory. The 38 star flag was generally used until 1889, when four new states joined the Union.

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

Condition: There is moderate fading throughout, accompanied by minor soiling and dye loss. There is a series of holes along the hoist where the flag was affixed to its original wooden staff. These have minor associated rust stains and two of these repeat toward the fly from when the flag was rolled. There are minor areas of fabric loss elsewhere. 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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