Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
Sold Flags



  45 STARS, 1896-1907, UTAH STATEHOOD, SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR ERA, IN A DESIRABLE SMALL SIZE FOR THE PERIOD, WITH AN UNUSUAL LAYOUT OF "ZIGZAGGING ROWS"

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 47" x 69.75"
Flag Size (H x L): 36.5" x 59"
Description....:
45 STARS, 1896-1907, UTAH STATEHOOD, SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR ERA, IN A DESIRABLE SMALL SIZE FOR THE PERIOD, WITH AN UNUSUAL LAYOUT OF "ZIGZAGGING ROWS":

45 star American national flag in an unusually small size for the period and with nice visual qualities. 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 stars of the flag are configured in staggered rows of 8-7-7-8-7-8, which is a peculiar arrangement. While there was no official star pattern until 1912, 45 star flags usually have stars that are arranged in a more logical, symmetrical assemblage of 8-7-8-7-8-7. Note also how the design steps in three times along the hoist end before zigzagging back and forth. I often call this layout "zigzagging rows", as a way of distinguishing it from other staggered row designs. The concept is more common in 44 star flags, as a way to arrange rows of 8 and 7 stars, but is very unusual in 45 star examples.br />
Because the canton of the flag is a bit more than 18 inches tall, and the looms that made wool bunting were only 18 inches wide, the canton is comprised of two lengths of blue wool bunting. The two pieces of wool came from different dye lots. Note that the upper register, made from a full width of the fabric bolt, has faded to an attractive, dusty blue color, while the thin strip below it retains its original shade of Navy blue. I have owned other flags of this period that share the same, interesting, two-color trait. Rather than being unattractive, as one might expect, I find that the result is just the opposite. For some reason the appearance is simply older and endearing, and more reminiscent of a 19th century date. The two colors would have been alike when the flag was first made, but the use of a fugitive dye, which breaks down to a degree over time with or without the aid of light and other factors, results in their deviation.

While a five foot long flag is common today, this size is unusual in flags with sewn construction that were made prior to the adoption of the 48 star flag in 1912. In fact, regular production of pieced-and-sewn, 3-foot and 4-foot-long examples does not appear to have begun until somewhat later in the 48-star period. As time progressed, use of the American flag became more decorative and less important in its role as a signal. During the 19th century, however, 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.

The canton and stripes of the flag are made of wool bunting that has been pieced by machine. The stars of the flag are made of cotton and double-appliqued (sewn to both sides) with a zigzag machine stitch. There is a twill cotton sailcloth binding along the hoist end with two white metal grommets. "3 x 5" is stenciled near the top of the hoist on the obverse side in faint black ink. This denotes its intended size in feet. In the center of the hoist on the same side, the name "Hocart" is inscribed with a dip pen. It was common for flags to be marked in this fashion during the 19th and early 20th centuries to indicate ownership.

Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% silk organza on every seam and throughout the star field for support. Then flag was then hand-sewn to a background of 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. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic.

Condition: There is minor mothing throughout, accompanied by minor soiling. , but there are no significant condition issues.
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
 

Views: 3054