Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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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): Approx. 36.5" x 46.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 24.5" x 34.25"
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 11:00 position. Moving toward the center, the stars in the next two rows are tilted in the opposite direction, so that one point is directed at 1:00. Those in the center two rows have stars that are consecutively point-down, point up, creating what I call “tumbling” or “dancing” orientation. This adds a nice element of folk quality to the design.

Note the beautifully faded shade of periwinkle or indigo blue in the canton and how it contrasts with the deep, blood red color of the stripes. Adding significantly to the flag’s appearance is its state of preservation from obvious long-term use. There is modest to moderate soiling throughout, accompanied by areas with more significant staining in the last two red stripes. There is modest to moderate fading, consistent with having stood for an extended period on a staff, exposed to light. There are minor holes in limited areas in the body of the flag, accompanied by modest to moderate holes toward the fly end in the 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, and and 10th stripes, and more significant holes and losses in the 11th-13th stripes. There is an applied, twill tape header along the hoist, affixed by machine, with a series of small holes where metal tacks formerly held the flag to a wooden staff.

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% hemp fabric. The mount was placed in a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The glazing is U.V. protective plexiglass.

Condition: The condition issues are thoroughly described above. Fabric of similar coloration was placed behind the flag during the mounting process to mask various losses. 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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