Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
Sold Flags



  45 STARS, EXCEPTIONALLY RARE CIRCLE-IN-A-SQUARE MEDALLION, CORNFLOWER BLUE

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 48.75" x 66.75"
Flag Size (H x L): 38" x 56"
Description....:
45 STARS, EXCEPTIONALLY RARE CIRCLE-IN-A-SQUARE MEDALLION, CORNFLOWER BLUE CANTON, UTAH STATEHOOD, 1896-1907:

45 star American national flag with an extremely rare form of medallion star configuration called the "circle-in-a-square". In this particular example, note that there is a star in the very center, surrounded by two wreaths of stars, which are flanked by a star in each corner. This whole pattern is surrounded by a square of stars runs the perimeter of the unusual, cornflower blue canton. I know of the circle-in-a-square design to exist on fewer than ten flags with pieced and sewn construction, which makes it considerably rarer than some other scarce designs, such as the Great Star (a star made out of smaller stars).

The flag is sewn entirely of lightly glazed cotton. Cotton was the fabric of choice for homemade flags, like this one, produced for some patriotic purpose, as wool bunting wasn't widely available in general stores and silk was too extravagant for the average person. The stars are hand-sewn, while the stripes are treadle-sewn. Three metal rings are affixed along the hoist end by treadle-sewn cotton loops.

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 flag has been hand-stitched to 100% silk organza on every seam for support. The flag was then hand-sewn to a 100% cotton background, black in color. The black fabric was washed to remove 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 front is u.v. protective plexiglas.

Condition: There is moderate fading of the red stripes, accompanied by minor bleeding and staining, but there are no serious condition issues.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Sewn 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
 

Views: 2923