Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  49 STAR AMERICAN FLAG IN A SMALL SCALE AMONG ITS COUNTERPARTS WITH PIECED AND SEWN CONSTRUCTION, REFLECTS THE ADDITION OF ALASKA IN 1959, OFFICIAL FOR JUST ONE YEAR; EXHIBITED JUNE-SEPTEMBER, 2021 AT THE MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 33.5" x 46.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 22"x 34.75"
Description....:
49 star American national flag, in a great, small scale among its counterparts with pieced-and-sewn construction. The canton and stripes of the flag are made of 100% cotton bunting that has been joined with lineal machine stitching. The stars are made of cotton and are double-appliquéd (applied to both sides) with a zigzag machine stitch. There is a sailcloth canvas binding along the hoist with two brass grommets, along which a label was sewn, printed with simple, descriptive text, in black ink, that reads: “2x3 Ft.; Superior Brand; Cotton Bunting Flag.” Although it was becoming far more common for makers to mark their name on flags by the mid-20th century, most did not elect to do so.

Many people don’t know that the 49 star flag was actually official for a period of one year. Alaska joined the Union as the 49th state on January 3rd, 1959. Because stars were officially added on Independence Day following a state’s addition, the 49 star flag became official on July 4th of that year. Although Hawaii gained statehood just 48 days later, on August 21st, the 50th star would not be officially added until July 4th, 1960.

Provenance: Exhibited from June 12th – September 6th, 2021 at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, in an exhibition entitled “Flags & Founding Documents.” The flag portion of this, curated by Jeff Bridgman, featured 43 flags that span American history as we progressed from 13 to 50 stars, with a particular focus on not only flags that display the anticipated and/or actual addition of states, but the subtraction of both Union and Slave States during the Antebellum and the Civil War periods.

Mounting: The flag was mounted and framed within our own conservation department, which is led by expert trained staff. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and have framed thousands of examples.

The background is 100% cotton twill, black in color that has been washed and treated for colorfastness. The substantial, cove shaped molding has a textured surface, a rope style inner border, and a matte finish that is very dark brown in color, nearly black, with reddish undertones and highlights. To this a flat profile molding, with a surface like old gun metal, was added as a liner. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic (Plexiglas). Feel free to contact us for more details.

Condition: There is very minor soiling, but there are no significant condition issues.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 49
Earliest Date of Origin: 1959
Latest Date of Origin: 1960
State/Affiliation: Alaska
War Association:
Price: SOLD
 

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