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  PRINTED COTTON KERCHIEF GLORIFYING THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, WITH TEXT AND REPRODUCED SIGNATURES, MADE FOR THE 1876 CENTENNIAL INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 31" x 35"
Flag Size (H x L): 20.5" x 24.5"
Description....:
Printed on cotton, this beautiful kerchief pays respect to the Declaration of Independence through the reproduction of its text and 56 signatures, surrounded by a fanciful border. This consists of the 13 state seals, which are dispersed around the perimeter in small medallion images. Note how Pennsylvania is highlighted among them, larger and in the bottom center, both because it served as the meeting place of the Continental Congress during the 18th century, and played host to the 1876 Centennial International Exposition, the six-month long World’s Fair event that was held in honor of our nation’s 100-year anniversary of independence.

The names of twelve Revolutionary War generals are spread out between each crest, on each forward-facing turn of a scroll that wraps around a pillar and leaf border on the right, left, and bottom. These include Washington, Lafayette, Johann de Kalb, Nathiel Greene, Ethan Allen, Henry Knox, Israel Putnam, Daniel Morgan, William Moultrie, Francis Marion, Mad Anthony Wayne, and Thomas Sumter (note the misspelling of the surname of the latter).

The top is crowned by an image of the Liberty Bell with outstretched sprigs of olive and oak branches. The scarlet red border creates nice contrast with the sepia text and illustrations and the white background.

An example of the bandanna is pictured in “Threads of History” by Herbert Ridgeway Collins (Smithsonian Press, 1979). Collins formerly served as curator of political history at the Smithsonian and his text is considered the definitive reference on American political textiles. I have many times seen this kerchief sewn into quilts produced in the patriotism fueled by the centennial, but oddly enough, loose examples such as this are rarely encountered. These also exist with a blue border instead of red.

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 banners and have framed thousands of examples.

The kerchief has been hand-stitched to a background of 100% cotton twill, black in color, that has been washed and treated to reduce excess dye. An acid free agent was added to the wash to further set the dye and the fabric was heat-treated for the same purpose. The mount was then placed in a gilded French molding with a classic American profile, to which a rippled profile molding, black with gold highlights, was added as a cap. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic.

Condition: There is minor foxing and staining throughout, very minor bleeding, and very minor fading.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type:
Star Count:
Earliest Date of Origin: 1876
Latest Date of Origin: 1876
State/Affiliation: Pennsylvania
War Association: 1777-1860 Pre-Civil War
Price: SOLD
 

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