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  46 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH VARIED STAR POSITIONING, 1907-1912, REFLECTS THE PERIOD WHEN OKLAHOMA WAS THE MOST RECENT STATE TO JOIN THE UNION

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): Approx. 22" x 27.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 12" x 17.25"
Description....:
46 star American national parade flag, printed on plain weave cotton. The stars of the flag are configured in justified rows in counts of 8-7-8-8-7-8, but vary in position on their vertical axis. When viewed on the obverse (front), note how those in the top and bottom rows are canted, with one point directed in the 11:00 position. Moving toward the center, the stars in the next two rows appear at first glance to be tilted in the opposite direction, but upon closer inspection, one may note that they are somewhat random. Those in the center two rows have stars that are consecutively point-down, point-up, creating what I call “tumbling” or “dancing” orientation. The combination of all of the above adds a nice visual quality to the flag’s appearance.

The 46th state, Oklahoma, joined the Union 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.

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 presentation of flags and have preserved thousands of examples.

The background is 100% cotton twill, black in color, that has been washed and treated for colorfastness. The mount was placed in an antique, Arts & Crafts era, American, acid-washed oak molding, that dates to the period between roughly 1885 and 1910, and so is period to the flag. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: There are tack holes along the hoist, where the flag was once affixed to a wooden staff. There is some modest, golden brown oxidation, more so toward the hoist and fly ends, and there are a few tiny, minor stains. There are a couple of tiny holes in the canton, very minor, and minor to modest fraying from obvious use, most prominent in the upper, fly end corner. 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: 46
Earliest Date of Origin: 1907
Latest Date of Origin: 1912
State/Affiliation: Oklahoma
War Association:
Price: SOLD
 

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