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  44 STARS IN AN UNUSUAL "NOTCHED" PATTERN, WYOMING STATEHOOD, 1890-1896

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 38.5" x 30.25
Flag Size (H x L): 27.75" x 19.25
Description....:
44 STARS IN A "NOTCHED" PATTERN, WYOMING STATEHOOD, 1890-1896:

44 star American national parade flag, printed on coarse, glazed cotton, with its stars arranged in what is known as a "notched" pattern, whereby four spaces were left open along the hoist end to accommodate stars for the four additional Western Territories that had yet to be added. By this period it was well known that Utah, Oklahoma, Arizona and New Mexico would eventually gain statehood and some flag-makers were creatively planning, and perhaps even pushing for the final completion of westward continental expansion. There are several known notched designs in the 44 star count, and this is an unusual one, with the 4 spaces grouped together in the center of the first column of a justified lineal arrangement, adjacent to the hoist end.

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.

Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton twill, black in color, that has been 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 black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The glazing is U.V. protective Plexiglas.

Condition: There is minor fading and pigment loss, accompanied by minor to moderate water staining toward the fly end. There is a small darkish stain at the bottom of the hoist end, accompanied by a minor tear in the red stripe. There is minor fabric loss in the first and second white stripe adjacent to the fly end, accompanied by a two tiny holes further in, in the second and third white stripes. 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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