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  45 STARS ON A CORNFLOWER BLUE CANTON, SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR ERA, UTAH STATEHOOD, 1896-1908

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 13.75" x 9.75"
Flag Size (H x L): 2.5" x 4.25" on 8" staff
Description....:
45 star American parade flag, printed on coarse, glazed cotton and affixed to its original wooden staff. The stars are arranged in staggered lineal rows in counts of 8-7-8-7-8-7, which is the most common pattern encounter on flags of this star count.

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.

Note the cornflower blue color of the canton, which contrasts beautifully with the scarlet red stripes. At this point there were no official shades of red and blue and collectors like anything that is both out of the ordinary and visually attractive.

Also note the small line of red pigment along the lower edge of the flag toward the fly end. This is the top edge of another flag that would have been printed next to this one on the same bolt of fabric.

Mounting: The solid poplar molding dates to the same period as the flag, has a slightly scooped profile, and retains its original dark brown varnish with a gold inner lip. The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% hemp fabric. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: There is minor misprinting in the stars, but the colors are strong and there are no further condition issues.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Parade 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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