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  45 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG, CIRCA 1896-1908, SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR ERA, UTAH STATEHOOD

Available: In Stock
Frame Size (H x L): Approx. 58.5" x 81"
Flag Size (H x L): 46.5" x 69.25"
Description....:
45 star American national flag, made in the period between 1896 and 1907, in an unusually small and desirable scale. Utah became the 45th state in 1896. It had been attempting to gain statehood for many years, but remained a territory, primarily due to the fact that the Mormon Church and Utah authorities continued to be openly tolerant of polygamy. In 1890, Mormon Church President Wilford Woodruff published a manifesto that denounced the contract of “any marriages forbidden by the law of the land”. This gave way to Utah’s 1896 acceptance. The 45 star flag was generally used from that year until 1907, when Oklahoma joined the Union. Due to the Spanish-American War (1898) and Teddy Roosevelt’s famous world tour of the “White Fleet” (launched in 1907), this was an extremely patriotic period.

The canton and stripes of the flag are made of wool bunting that has been pieced by machine. The stars are made of cotton and double-appliquéd (sewn to both sides) with a zigzag machine stitch. There is a twill cotton binding along the hoist with two brass grommets.

The stars of the flag are configured in staggered rows of 8-7-8-7-8-7, which is typical of this star count. During the 19th century, flags with sewn construction needed to be large in order to serve well in their utilitarian function. Lengths of 8-feet and longer are thus common. Even those examples made for decorative use were often very big; too large to easily frame and display in a modern indoor setting. Collectors prefer smaller scale examples, like this one, that are more manageable in size.

The name J.D. Biggs is written along the reverse side of the hoist with a dip pen. This would be the name of a former owner. It was common to mark flags in this fashion during the 19th century.

Mounting: The flag was mounted and framed within our own conservation department, which is led by expert staff. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and have framed thousands of examples.

The background is 155% cotton twill, black in color, that has been washed and treated to reduce excess dye. The mount was placed in a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic.

Condition: There is extremely minor mothing, accompanied by minor foxing and staining, but there are no serious condition issues. An overall excellent example of the period. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 45
Earliest Date of Origin: 1896
Latest Date of Origin: 1908
State/Affiliation: Utah
War Association: 1898 Spanish American War
Price: SOLD
 

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