Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  44 STARS, WYOMING STATEHOOD, WITH SCATTERED STAR POSITIONING AND AN OVERPRINT FROM A CELEBRATION OF INDEPENDENCE DAY IN THE TOWN OF COLFAX, INDIANA, IN 1893

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 12.75" x 16.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 6.5" x 10.25"
Description....:
44 STARS, WYOMING STATEHOOD, WITH SCATTERED STAR POSITIONING AND AN OVERPRINT FROM A CELEBRATION OF INDEPENDENCE DAY IN THE TOWN OF COLFAX, INDIANA, IN 1893:

44 star American national flag, printed on silk, with strong royal blue and scarlet coloration. Note how the stars point in various directions on their vertical axis, which adds a nice folk element to the design.

An interesting overprint in black ink appears in the stripe field. It reads: "Colfax, Indiana, July, The 4th 1893." Note the interesting manner of punctuation, which is common across 19th century flags with overprinted advertising (as well as most other manner of printed advertising of the period). The western style, signboard box around the text is an unusual element for the designer to have included.

Based upon the similarities of the flag to other printed silk examples made during the last quarter of the 19th century, I would suggest that the maker of the flag was probably Cheney Silk of Manchester, Connecticut. Cheney was the largest silk manufacturer in America and some of their printed flags are documented through their donation to the Smithsonian.

The town of Colfax was named for Schuyler Colfax, the man who would become our nation's Vice President under the first term of President Ulysses S. Grant. A member of the Whig party, before transitioning to the No-Nothings and then becoming a Republican, New York City-born Schuyler Colfax served seven terms in congress representing the State of Indiana, including three as Speaker of the House. He was jovial and well-liked by both the mainstream and radicals, which earned him the nickname "Smiler"Colfax. He served with Grant as Vice President for the first term only and was unsuccessful for re-nomination due to allegations of corruption in a business scandal.

Colfax itself was laid out in 1849 by a man named Montgomery Stroud and was originally named Midway for its position between Indianapolis and Lafayette along the Lafayette railroad. In 1853, the town gained a post office named Colfax, and in December 1857 the name of the town itself became Colfax by way of a local petition. By 1861 the town had two churches, two general stores, a hotel, a saw mill and approximately 200 residents. It incorporated on December 25, 1869.

In 1893 Colfax would have been celebrating its 40th anniversary based on the naming of the Post Office. This was the most probable reason for the making of this flag, which no-doubt was distributed with others during the related festivities on July 4th.

Presently this is the only flag like it that is known to have survived. Flags with overprinted advertising are of particular interest to collectors, as are those with bold imagery, such as this example.

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 solid walnut frame has a dark varnished surface and a gilded liner and dates to the period between 1860 and 1890. This is a pressure mount between 100% cotton twill, black in color, and U.V. protective acrylic. The black fabric 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.

Condition: There are minor water stains and there is some bleaching in the blue canton. There is minor splitting throughout, accompanied by a moderate split in the bottom red stripe at the fly end. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use. The great rarity of overprinted advertising flags of high quality well-warrants the condition.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 44
Earliest Date of Origin: 1893
Latest Date of Origin: 1893
State/Affiliation: Indiana
War Association: 1898 Spanish American War
Price: SOLD
 

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