Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  45 STARS, MEDALLION CONFIGURATION, 1896-1907, RARE IN THIS PERIOD, UTAH STATEHOOD

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 28.75" x 34.75"
Flag Size (H x L): 17" x 23.75"
Description....:
45 STARS, IN A MEDALLION CONFIGURATION, A RARE FEATURE IN THIS PERIOD, 1896-1908, UTAH STATEHOOD:

45 star American parade flag, printed on cotton bunting, with a beautiful, triple-wreath style medallion configuration of stars. This highly desired star pattern is seen primarily in flags made between the Civil War (1861-65) and the nation's centennial of independence from Great Britain in 1876. Medallion star patterns are extremely rare, however, in flags with greater than 38 stars, and that is one reason why this particular example is highly desired by advanced collectors. There are many medallion styles known among parade flags with 38 stars and fewer, but only a tiny handful of styles are known with greater than 38 stars (1889 and after).

Note how the stars in this example are large and abnormally fat, taking up most of the canton. Each star is tilted on its vertical axis so as to fit into the neighboring stars. In addition, the proportions of the flag are rather square. All of these traits add to this flag's tremendous folk appeal.

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: Mounting: The flag 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, which was heat-treated for the same purpose. The mount was then placed in a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: There are a couple of very minor stains and very tiny holes, 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: 1908
State/Affiliation: Utah
War Association: 1898 Spanish American War
Price: SOLD
 

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