Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  46 STARS WITH VARIED STAR POSITIONING, 1907-1912, OKLAHOMA STATEHOOD

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): Approx. 25" x 20.75"
Flag Size (H x L): 17" x 12.25"
Description....:
46 STARS WITH VARIED STAR POSITIONING, 1907-1912, OKLAHOMA STATEHOOD:

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. They 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 near-black coloration of the canton is a bit unusual, as-is the wide red stripe at the bottom, which lay along the selvedge (finished) edge of the fabric.

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 has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton, black in color, which has been washed to reduce excess dye. An acid-free agent was added to the wash to further set the dye, which was heat-treated for the same purpose. The mount was then placed in a black frame with a cove-shaped profile and faint red highlights, to which a flat liner was added that has a finish like gunmetal. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: The canton may have faded to this color, though it is difficult to be certain as blues varied widely. The red is strong and vibrant. There is a tiny bit of fraying in the extreme upper fly-end corner. There are no other significant condition issues.
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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