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  44 DANCING OR TUMBLING STARS IN AN HOURGLASS FORMATION, WYOMING STATEHOOD, 1890-1896

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 29.5" x 45.75"
Flag Size (H x L): 19.75" x 36"
Description....:
44 DANCING OR TUMBLING STARS IN AN HOURGLASS FORMATION, WYOMING STATEHOOD, 1890-1896:

44 star American parade flag printed on coarse, glazed cotton. 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. Although there was no official configuration until 1912, this attractive star design can often be encountered on 44 star flags.

The 44th state, Wyoming, gained statehood on July 10th, 1890. Even though the 44 star flag was not official until July 4th, 1891, most flag-makers would have begun to add a 44th star to their flags as soon as Wyoming declared statehood, or perhaps even before the state was actually added. Because flag-making was a competitive venture, flag-makers did not want to be producing 43 star flags, for example, when their competitors were selling 44’s. The 44 star flag would have generally seen use until the addition of Utah in 1896.

Note how the vertical orientation of each star alternates from one to the next, so that they are consecutively point-up, point-down, creating what I call a “tumbling” or “dancing” formation. Note also how the area along the hoist, which is usually white, is printed in blue so that the canton extends into this region. Below it, the 5th, 6th, and 7th red stripes extend into this area as well, and there is red beyond the 5th white stripe, which is especially odd, as there is no printing beyond the 4th and 6th red stripes. The long and narrow profile adds further interest to the flag's presentation and the combination of these attractive features results in a beautiful example of the period.

Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 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 plexiglass.

Condition: There is minor misprinting and there is minor oxidation and minor staining. There is minor pigment loss at the fly end. 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: 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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