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  44 LARGE POINTY STARS ON A DENIM BLUE CANTON, UNUSUALLY SMALL SIZE, WYOMING STATEHOOD, 1890-1896

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): n/a
Flag Size (H x L): 35" x 69"
Description....:
44 LARGE POINTY STARS ON A DENIM BLUE CANTON, UNUSUALLY SMALL SIZE, WYOMING STATEHOOD, 1890-1896:

44 star American national flag, in an unusually small size for the period, with stars that are unusually large and pointy in shape. The stars are arranged in offset rows on a canton that is rather long and narrow and has a very attractive, denim blue coloration. The long and narrow format of the flag, in addition to the elongated canton, adds to its visual appeal.

At just a hair under three by six feet, the size of the flag might seem large by today's standards, but in reality it is particularly small for the 19th century. Until the 1920's or after, American national flags with sewn construction, like this one (as opposed to printed parade flags or hand-wavers), were typically large so that they could be seen from a distance and thus serve their purpose as signals. Sewn flags generally measured between eight and twenty feet long on the fly; sometimes even larger. Smaller flag are more desirable among collectors because they are far more easy to frame and display in an indoor setting.

The canton and stripes of the flag are made of wool bunting that has been pieced with machine stitching. The cotton stars are double-appliqued (sewn to both sides of the canton) with a zigzag, machine stitch. There is a heavy canvas header with 2 brass grommets for hoisting. The grommets have great patina from age, which lends nicely to the overall appearance of the flag.

Note how the 3rd red stripe is different in color, being slightly more orange in hue than the rest. This is because the fabric was taken from a different dye lot. Also note that this stripe is slightly wider than all but the top and bottom red stripes. Such peculiarities abound in early commercial flag-making and are part of what makes early flags so interesting today.

The 44th state, Wyoming, joined the Union on July 10th, 1890. The 44 star flag was generally used from that year until 1896.

Mounting: The flag has not yet been mounted.

Condition: There are very minor losses, accompanied by minor foxing and staining, but there are no serious condition issues. This condition constitutes a 9-out-of-10 and is far less than expected for a wool flag of the period. Many collectors prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
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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