| 44 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH AN HOURGLASS ARRANGEMENT ON A DUSTY BLUE CANTON; REFLECTS THE ERA WHEN WYOMING WAS THE MOST RECENT STATE TO JOIN THE UNION, 1890-1896 |
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| Web ID: | 44j-924 |
| Available: | In Stock |
| Frame Size (H x L): | Approx. 49" x 79.5" |
| Flag Size (H x L): | 37.25" x 66.5" |
| Description: | |
| Wyoming was admitted as the 44th state on July 10th, 1890. Although the 44 star count would not become official until July 4th of the following year, flag makers would have begun to add a 44th star immediately, if not even beforehand, in hopeful anticipation. This became common among flag-makers during the latter 19th century, a practice that reflected both their support of westward expansion and a drive not to be out-stepped by their competitors. While the 44 star count remained official until July 3rd, 1896, it would have generally fallen from use at the beginning of that year, when Utah gained statehood on January 4th. The stars of this particular example 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 often encountered on flags of this star count and is graphically attractive. The stars are made of cotton and are all oriented with one point directed upward. These were expertly hand-sewn and double-appliquéd (applied to both sides). The flag was produced in a cottage industry setting and bears all of the expected hallmarks thereof. The striped field and canton are made of wool bunting that has been pieced and joined with treadle stitching. Note how the coloration of the canton has faded to a dusty blue-grey. This occurred due to the use of a fugitive dye, that changed its appearance with or without exposure to light. When this distinctive trait is found in this particular weave of blue bunting, it occurs most often in flags that date between 1885 - 1895, and primarily within the second half of that ten-year bracket. Although the fabric can be encountered beyond that window, flag manufacturers seem to have either caught on to the issue and ordered different wool, or the firm(s) that were producing it corrected the dye. In any event, the result is actually more interesting than one might expect, generally adding rather than detracting to a flag’s overall appearance, while simultaneously lending a trait that assists in the translation of its age. There is a canvas sailcloth binding along the hoist, with two brass grommets, along which the numeral "6" was stenciled in black pigment, to denote the length of the flag in feet. While the scale may seem large to a casual observer, unfamiliar with 19th century examples, it is important to understand that most flags with pieced-and-sewn construction, made prior to 1890, measured 7-8 feet or larger on the fly. With an actual measurement of approximately 5.5 feet (original, save for some shrinkage), this is a small flag among most of its counterparts of the period. Mounting: For 25 years we have maintained our own textile conservation department, led by a master’s degree level graduate from one of the nation’s top programs. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and related textiles and have preserved thousands of examples. The flag has been hand-stitched throughout for support flat-lined) to 100% silk organza. It was then hand-stitched to a background of 100% cotton twill, black in color, that has been washed and treated for colorfastness. The black-painted and hand-gilded molding, with its wide, serpentine profile, is Italian. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic (Plexiglas). Feel free to contact us for more details. Condition: In addition to the fugitive blue dye, noted above, there is minor to modest mothing, primarily occurring within the striped field, accompanied by a accompanied by a two very minor tears along the top edge. There is extremely minor soiling in limited areas. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use. |
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| Video: | |
| 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: | Please call (717) 676-0545 or (717) 502-1281 |
| E-mail: | info@jeffbridgman.com |
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