Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  46 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG, 1907-1912, REFLECTS OKLAHOMA STATEHOOD

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): Approx. 56” x 77.5”
Flag Size (H x L): 44.5" x 66"
Description....:
46 star American national flag, made in the period between 1907 and 1912, in an desirable small scale among its pieced-and-sewn counterparts of the period. Oklahoma joined the Union as the 46th state on November 16th, 1907, during Teddy Roosevelt’s presidency. Roosevelt had many friends in the Oklahoma Territory from his Rough Rider days, and pushed it through to statehood. The 46 star flag became official on July 4th, 1908 and remained so until July 3rd, 1912. Many 46 star flags were made earlier, however, in great anticipation of the future addition of the state, which had previously been appointed to Native Americans.

The stars of the flag are configured in staggered rows of 8-7-8-8-7-8, which is typical of this star count. During the 19th century, 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. Collectors prefer smaller scale examples, like this one, that are more manageable in size.

Construction: The canton and stripes of the flag are made of wool bunting that has been pieced with a lineal machine stitch. The stars are made of cotton and double-appliquéd (sewn to both sides) with a zigzag machine stitch. There is a sailcloth canvas binding along the hoist with two brass grommets, one each at the top and bottom.

Mounting: The flag was mounted and framed within our own conservation department, which is led by expert trained staff. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and have framed thousands of examples.

The background is 100% cotton twill, black in color. The black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed molding is Italian. The glazing is U.V. protective plexiglass. Feel free to contact us for more details.

Condition: There are numerous darning repairs throughout, which were made in the period of the flag's use. There is a tear at the fly end of the 3rd white stripe and the last red stripe, accompanied by a small number of tiny holes elsewhere throughout. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 46
Earliest Date of Origin: 1896
Latest Date of Origin: 1907
State/Affiliation: Utah
War Association:
Price: SOLD
 

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