Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  44 BEAUTIFULLY HAND-SEWN STARS IN AN “HOURGLASS” PATTERN, WYOMING STATEHOOD, 1890-1896

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): Approx. when famed: 78.5" x 116.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 66" x 104"
Description....:
44 star American national flag, made in the period between 1890 and 1896. The 44th state, Wyoming, joined the Union on July 10th, 1890. The 44 star flag became official on July 4th, 1891, but flag-makers began adding the 44th star to flags well before this date. The 44 star flag was generally used until Utah joined the Union as the 45th state in 1896.

The stars of the flag are hand-sewn, made of cotton and double-appliquéd, meaning that they are applied to both sides of the navy blue canton. These are configured in rows of 8-7-7-7-7-8, with the top and bottom rows offset so that they resemble a broad hourglass. This lineal formation is commonly encountered on 44 star flags and is graphically attractive. The stars, which are all oriented with one point upward, were sewn by an expert seamstress with great care and are especially appealing.

The stripes and canton are made of wool bunting that has been pieced with treadle stitching. The square patches at the top and bottom corners of the hoist end are original to the flag's construction. These are called gussets and were added for support at the points where the flag received the most stress when it was flown. There is a twill cotton binding with two brass grommets for hoisting.

The overall presentation is beautiful and the flag is in a scale that is typical of the period, when most flags with pieced-and-sewn construction were 7-8 feet long or larger.

Mounting: The flag has not yet been mounted.

Condition: The overall condition is excellent for a wool flag of the period, especially one of this scale. There are two vertical tears in the canton, adjacent to the top edge, neither of which experienced any significant fabric loss and both of which were easily stabilized. There is minor foxing and staining and there is very minor mothing. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age gracefully.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 44
Earliest Date of Origin: 1890
Latest Date of Origin: 1896
State/Affiliation: Wyoming
War Association: 1866-1890 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

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