Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  52 STAR AMERICAN FLAG CLOTH JACKET EMBLEM WITH PEACE SYMBOL CONFIGURATION, CA 1964-1975

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 15" x 18.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 7.5" x 11.25"
Description....:
This unusual flag image is great for two reasons. One is the rather obvious fact that its stars are arranged in the form of the international symbol for peace, popularized in the 1960’s and early 70’s during the hippie movement and the anti-war climate that surrounded American involvement in Vietnam (1961-1975). Demonstrations began in 1964 and escalated as the U.S. Government considered its forthcoming role. The other is the less obvious fact that it incorporates 52 stars, presumably to lobby for the inclusion of two more American-occupied territories as states, such as Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Mariana Islands. At times Washington DC might also be considered, though likely not on a flag with its stars arranged as a peace symbol during the Vietnam era.

There was an effort to include Puerto Rico during this general era, in particular, as recognized by the existence of 51 star parade flags with stenciling on their hoists that reads: “N.P.P. San Juan, P.R.”. This was the mark of the New Progressive Party in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a political faction (est. 1967) that supported U.S. statehood. Other flags are known, commercially produced in the United States, with between 51 and 54 stars, probably for the same reason.

This 52 star variety is a jacket emblem, printed on cloth with an adhesive back (intact and unused), which perfectly reflects 1960’s and 70’s hippie culture. It is very visual and a nice addition to any collection of printed flags due to its unique configuration and star count.

Provenance: Exhibited from June 12th – September 6th, 2021 at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, in an exhibit 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 textile was mounted and framed within our own conservation department, which is led by expert staff. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and have framed thousands of examples.

The black-painted molding, with its beveled profile and gilded, beaded edge, is Italian. To this a rippled profile molding, black with gold highlights, was added as a liner. The glazing is U.V. protective plexiglass.

Condition: There is extremely minor foxing, and very minor areas of lighter printing in the canton, but there are no significant condition issues.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type:
Star Count: 52
Earliest Date of Origin: 1964
Latest Date of Origin: 1975
State/Affiliation: Other
War Association: Vietnam
Price: SOLD
 

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