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  44 STARS ARRANGED IN ZIGZAGING OFFSET ROWS, MARKED "NAVY" GRADE, WYOMING STATEHOOD, 1890-1896

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L):
Flag Size (H x L): 48" x 83"
Description....:
44 STARS ARRANGED IN ZIGZAGING OFFSET ROWS, MARKED "NAVY" GRADE, WYOMING STATEHOOD, 1890-1896:

44 star American national flag, made in the period between 1890 and 1896. Note how the stars, which have a somewhat fat profile, are arranged with rows of 8 at the top and bottom that sandwich 4 zigzagging rows of 7 stars in-between. This is a rather interesting way to arrange the 44 star count. Because there was no official star pattern until 1912, the design was left to the whim of the maker. The 44th state, Wyoming, joined the Union on July 10th, 1890. The 44 star flag was generally used from that year until Utah gained statehood in 1896.

The canton and stripes of the flag are made of wool bunting that has been pieced with treadle stitching. There is a triangular gusset (reinforced patch) at the top, hoist end corner which is original to the flag's manufacture and was used to strengthen the point of greatest stress when the flag was flown. The cotton stars are double-appliqued (sewn to both sides) with a lineal treadle stitch. There is a twill cotton header with 2 white metal grommets, along which is stenciled a numeral "4" and a "7" to indicate dimensions, separated by a Maltese cross. The word "Navy" is also stenciled along the hoist. This does not indicate military use, but was rather a brand name, used to inspire confidence in the buyer. It designates the grade of wool bunting that was being used by the manufacturer and while not a military flag, the use of the name does very likely reflect the fact that fabric is the same variety requested by the U.S. Navy from the flag-maker in some previous order.

There is a small fabric patch, made from glazed or waxed cotton, hand-sewn at the very top fly-end corner. This wonderful early repair, and two small darning repairs, add character to a flag that was obviously flown but stored with extraordinary care.

Mounting: The flag has not yet been mounted. Condition: Note above. Otherwise excellent. This condition constitutes an 9.8 out of 10 among surviving examples.
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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