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  45 STAR PATRIOTIC FLAG SHIELD BUNTING, AN UNUSUAL TEXTILE WITH VERY ATTRACTIVE VERTICAL FORMAT, SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR ERA, 1896-1907

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 36.5" x 49.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 38" x 25.5"
Description....:
45 STAR PATRIOTIC FLAG SHIELD BUNTING, AN UNUSUAL TEXTILE WITH VERY ATTRACTIVE VERTICAL FORMAT, SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR ERA, 1896-1907:

45 star patriotic American flag shield bunting, printed on cotton; a graphically pleasing textile that I have not previously encountered. Made during the patriotic fervor of the Spanish-American War era, the fabric is akin to that used in the making of printed parade flags during the same period. It is highly unusual to encounter a shield simply printed in this manner, however, on a length of bunting weight cotton.

The graphics of the design, tall and narrow, are very appealing, as are the colors and the way in which the textile shows its age gracefully.

The bunting is similar in both size and basic concept to parade flag-type banners made for Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) during the late 19th and/or early 20th centuries. The G.A.R. served as the primary organization for Union, Civil War veterans. Unlike some of the common styles of G.A.R. banners, however, this shield remains unique in my experience.

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.

Mounting: The textile has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton, black in color, which was 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 a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic.

Condition: There is minor foxing, fading, and dye loss throughout, but there are no serious condition issues.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 45
Earliest Date of Origin: 1896
Latest Date of Origin: 1907
State/Affiliation: Utah
War Association: 1898 Spanish American War
Price: SOLD
 

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