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  48 STAR BEADWORK AMERICAN FLAG, CA 1912-1920

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 8.75" x 11.75"
Flag Size (H x L): 3.5" x 6.5"
Description....:
48 STAR BEADWORK AMERICAN FLAG, CA 1912-1920:

While many Native American beaded items include the American national flag within their imagery, flags made entirely of beadwork are especially scarce. I have seen but a small handful over the years. One commonality they share is their keen beauty. Common knowledge would suggest that beadwork of this nature was always of American Indian origin, but that wasn't always the case and this may or may not be of Indian craft.

The tiny beads used in this example, called micro-beads, allow for a more detailed presentation than is sometimes seen. Note how the surface is uncommonly bright and reflective. The colors are rich and the flag is especially attractive.

Made sometime between 1912 and the 1920's, note how the canton rests on a red stripe. Some flag historians refer to this as the "blood stripe" or the "war stripe", suggesting the flag was sometimes constructed in this manner when the nation was at war. There is evidence that the U.S. Navy used this design feature on at least some of its flags made during the mid-19th century, and sometimes the placement was merely by accident. Scarce in any period, when present, the condition is typically found among flags that date to either the Civil War (1861-63) or WWI (U.S. involvement 1917-18). Probably this flag was made in the patriotism of the First World War.

Placement of the canton on a red stripe required that the union be either taller or more narrow than usual. In this case the canton is long and narrow, which also contributes to an interesting presentation. The stars consist of clusters of 5 beads, not all of which are consistently structured. Minor irregularities add to the charm of this hand-made object.

The 48 star flag became official in 1912 following the addition of New Mexico and Arizona. It remained the official flag throughout WWI, WWII, and the Korean War (1950-53), until Alaska gained statehood in 1959 and the 49th star was added.

Mounting: The gilded American molding dates to the period between 1850 and 1870. The beadwork has been hand-stitched to 100% hemp fabric. The glazing is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: There is a split in the 6th red stripe, near the fly end, and there are very minor spacing issues in the fine construction.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 48
Earliest Date of Origin: 1912
Latest Date of Origin: 1920
State/Affiliation: Arizona
War Association: WW 1
Price: SOLD
 

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