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  46 STARS WITH VARIED STAR POSITIONING ON AN ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG, 1907-1912, REFLECTS OKLAHOMA STATEHOOD

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 24.75" x 33.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 15" x 23.25"
Description....:
46 star American national parade flag, printed on plain weave cotton. The stars of the flag are configured in staggered rows of 8-7-8-8-7-8, which is typical of this star count. These are arranged in a rectilinear fashion, but vary in position on their vertical axis. When the flag is viewed horizontally, note how those in the top and bottom rows are canted with one point directed in the 1:00 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-up, point down, creating what I call “tumbling” or “dancing” orientation. This adds a nice element of folk quality to the design.

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 textile 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. The mount was placed in a modern frame with a finish that is very dark brown, nearly black, with red with a red undertone and highlights, to which a black-painted and gilded Italian molding was added as a cap. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: There is extremely minor foxing and staining in limited areas, including the extreme fly end in the white stripes, within a couple of stars, and below the canton in the white stripes, towards the hoist end. There are tack holes along the hoist, where the flag was affixed to a wooden staff, and associated tiny stains next to and just below the canton. 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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