| 44 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN PARADE FLAG WITH A TRIPLE WREATH FORM OF THE MEDALLION CONFIGURATION, RARE IN THIS PERIOD WITH A CIRCULAR STAR ARRANGEMENT, 1890-1896, REFLECTS THE ADDITION OF WYOMING TO THE UNION |
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| Web ID: | 44j-921 |
| Available: | In Stock |
| Frame Size (H x L): | Approx. 35" x 40" |
| Flag Size (H x L): | 23.5" x 28.75" |
| Description: | |
| 44 star American parade flag, printed on plain weave cotton. The stars are arranged in a circular medallion configuration that consists of three consecutive wreaths of stars, with a single star in the very center and a flanking star in each corner of the blue canton, outside the primary pattern. Variations of this beautiful and desirable arrangement are seen primarily in flags made between the Civil War (1861-65) and the nation’s centennial (1876). While there remained no official star configuration until 1912, flag makers basically abandoned circular, star-shaped, and other, dynamic, non-linear designs after the 38 star era (1876-1889). Examples with greater than 38 stars are rarely encountered. Note how this particular, orderly, circular arrangement, in such a large star count is somewhat reminiscent of a clear summer night sky, filled with stars. Also note that the canton is square, as opposed to rectangular, and how the proportions of the flag itself are somewhat more squarish than usual. Together these traits provide additional, visual peculiarities that impact to this great example of 19th century flag-making. It is interesting to note that I discovered a period image of this particular variety of parade flag, in an early postcard, made to advertise the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia, which had, in 1898, been opened to the public as a museum. A photo of the front of the house shows two of these flags, affixed to staffs, propped at opposite angles in the front window. While perhaps difficult for the casual observer to identify, connoisseurs of printed flags may recognize their scale and iconic design. The postcard is hand-dated 1905. Wyoming became the 44th state 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. Mounting: For 25 years we have maintained a specialized department for this purpose. Our lead conservator holds a master's degree in textile conservation 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 to its background, which is 100% cotton twill, black in color, that was washed and treated for colorfastness. The black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed molding is Italian. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic (Plexiglas). Feel free to contact us for more details. Condition: There is an L-shaped tear in the lower, hoist-end corner and there are tack holes along the hoist, where the flag was once affixed to its original wooden staff. There are minor to modest losses elsewhere in both the canton and the striped field. In some of these areas, period fabric was placed behind the flag for masking purposes, during the mounting process. There is minor to moderate soiling throughout, the most significant of which is along the hoist and in the first white stripe. There is a small dark stain in the 5th white stripe, toward the fly end. The flag presents beautifully. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use. |
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| Video: | |
| Collector Level: | Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything |
| Flag Type: | Parade flag |
| Star Count: | 44 |
| Earliest Date of Origin: | 1890 |
| Latest Date of Origin: | 1896 |
| State/Affiliation: | Wyoming |
| War Association: | |
| Price: | Please call (717) 676-0545 or (717) 502-1281 |
| E-mail: | info@jeffbridgman.com |
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