Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
Sold Flags



  39 STARS, PROBABLY 1876, NEVER AN UNOFFICIAL STAR COUNT, NEVER ACCURATE, SCATTERED STAR POSITIONING

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 20" x 16"
Flag Size (H x L): 12.5" x 18"
Description....:
39 STARS, PROBABLY 1876, NEVER AN UNOFFICIAL STAR COUNT, NEVER ACCURATE, SCATTERED STAR POSITIONING:

39 star American national parade flag, printed on cotton muslin. The stars are arranged in a rectilinear fashion, but point in various directions on their vertical axis. This adds an interesting element of folk quality and demonstrates the kind of creativity often seen in pre-1912 flag making.

Note also how the last red strip is extra wide. This is due to the fact that several flags were printed next to one-another on the same bolt of fabric and the layout of the flags was imperfect, leaving extra space along the selvedge. Features like this that add visual oddity to the design are sought by collectors.

39 star flags were made at two different times in the late 19th century. The first 39 star flags were made in 1875 and 1876, in anticipation of the addition of two new states. Only one of these states was added (Colorado, in August, 1876), which brought the star count to 38. This meant that the 39 star flags made at this time were soon defunct. Thirteen years later, 39 star flags were made again with the anticipation of the addition of the Dakota Territory. On November 2nd of 1889, the Dakotas came in as two different states (North & South), which again rendered 39 star flags both inaccurate and unofficial. Flag makers may likely have saved the 1875-76 print design, and used it again in 1889. Or the flags may have remained in the stock room of a dry goods store for more than a decade, to be brought out again when the actual addition of the 39th state finally came about. This particular style is more scarce than some other known varieties and was probably produced in the earlier of these two periods. In any event, the existence of 39 star flags is a classic display of both American capitalism and expansionist ideals for the growth of our nation.

Mounting: The grain-decorated, veneered mahogany molding dates to the period between 1830 and 1860. The flag has been placed in its correct vertical position, with its canton in the upper left. The flag has been stitched to 100% cotton rag mat. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: There are no significant condition issues.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 39
Earliest Date of Origin: 1876
Latest Date of Origin: 1876
State/Affiliation: North Dakota
War Association: 1866-1890 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

Views: 2540