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  46 STARS ON A COTTON FLAG WITH AN UNUSUAL LINEAL PATTERN OF STARS IN 7 ROWS, PROBABLY OF HOMEMADE ORIGIN, WITH BEAUTIFUL WEAR AND PRESENTATION, OKLAHOMA STATEHOOD, 1907-1912

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 43.14 x 63.75"
Flag Size (H x L): 32.25" x 51.5"
Description....:
46 star American national flag, made entirely of cotton and with beautiful wear and patina. Expertly sewn, but probably homemade, the stars are configured in an especially unusual lineal pattern that consists of 7 staggered rows in counts of 7-6-7-6-7-6-7. While there was no official star pattern until 1912, 46 star flags have just 6 rows, distributed in counts of 7 and 8.

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 are made of cotton and are double-appliquéd (applied to both sides) with treadle stitching. The canton and stripes of the flag are made of cotton bunting that has also been pieced with treadle stitching. There is a narrow cotton sleeve along the hoist, through which a length of twisted cotton twine was threaded so that the flag could be affixed to a staff.

The flag was flown for an extended period and displays all of the characteristics thereof. Note how the oxidation, fading, and the pattern of wear contribute substantially to its beautiful presentation. Also note how the bulbous and somewhat irregular profiles of the stars add endearing visual qualities.

The size of the flag is also important to its value. In the 1890-1912 era, most flags with pieced-and-sewn construction measured between 6 and 8 feet. Those measuring just over 4 feet on the fly, like this example, were produced in scarce quantity. Collectors and one-time-buyers alike often prefer flags in a more manageable size, due to greater ease of display in an indoor setting.

Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% silk organza on every seam and throughout the star field for support. It was then hand-stitched to 100% cotton twill, black in color, that was 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 plexiglass.

Condition: There is moderate fading, oxidation, and soiling throughout. There is modest fabric loss at the fly end, in the top and bottom corners, accompanied by small holes in the 2nd, 3rd, and last stripes, from obvious extended use. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Sewn 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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