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  45 UPSIDE-DOWN STARS, 1896-1907, UTAH STATEHOOD, SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR ERA

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): Approx. 34" x 44"
Flag Size (H x L): 24.75" x 34.5"
Description....:
45 UPSIDE-DOWN STARS, 1896-1907, UTAH STATEHOOD, SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR ERA:

45 star American parade flag, on cotton. The stars are arranged in staggered rows and are upside-down in their vertical alignment (with two points up instead of one). No one knows if this positioning had any purpose, but there was no official way to orient the stars and it is possible that the maker of this flag did not feel that any star position was "right-side-up". In any event, it adds both intellectual and visual interest to the design.

The size is particular large among American parade flags and the wear from extended use on this particular example is especially endearing and attractive.

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% cotton, black in color, which has been 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 and staining throughout, accompanied by minor fading. There are holes along the hoist end with associated tears and losses, where the flag was once affixed with metal tacks to a wooden staff. The fly end is frayed from extended use. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
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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