Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  38 STARS, 1876-1889, COLORADO STATEHOOD, A LARGE PARADE FLAG WITH A DOUBLE-WREATH PATTERN AND A HUGE CENTER STAR

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 45.75" x 63.75"
Flag Size (H x L): 34.5" x 53"
Description....:
38 STARS, 1876-1889, COLORADO STATEHOOD, A LARGE PARADE FLAG WITH A DOUBLE-WREATH PATTERN AND A HUGE CENTER STAR:

38 star American national parade flag, printed on coarse, glazed cotton. The stars are arranged in a medallion configuration that consists of two wreaths of stars, with a star in each corner. At the center of this is a huge star, much larger in proportion than is typically seen and measuring about the size of a spread hand.

Another unusual feature is the overall size of the flag. Parade flags were typically less than three feet in length, and though larger sizes exist, this is extraordinarily so. The combination of such a large example, with so large a center star, makes for the kind of bold impact that flag collectors search for in their quest for the most interesting examples of 19th century flag-making. I know of no more than four 38 star parade flags of this type to exist, so it is very rare.

The 38th state, Colorado, joined the Union on August 1st, 1876. This was the year of our nation's centennial of independence from Great Britain. Although 37 was the official star count in 1876, flag-making was a competitive venture and no one wanted to be making 37 star flags when others were making 38's. It is for this reason that 38 and 13 (to reference the original 13 colonies) are the two star counts most often seen during the centennial events.

The 38 star flag was generally used until 1889, when four new states joined the Union. Decorative star patterns, however, like this one, tend to be seen on 38 star flags that were made specifically for 1876 events, such as the Centennial International Exposition in Philadelphia, a six-month long, World's Fair event, held in conjunction with the nation's anniversary.

Construction: Printed on coarse, glazed cotton. The flag is pieced in two segments with a vertical, treadle-sewn seam in the center. This was necessary to create such a large printed flag, because the fabric wasn't available in a wider width.

Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to a background of 100% cotton twill, black in color. The background fabric has been washed to reduce excess dye. An acid-free gent was added to the wash to further set the dye and the fabric was heat-treated for the same purpose. The flag was then placed in a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The front is u.v. protective plexiglas.

Condition: There is minor to moderate soiling throughout, especially at the hoist and fly ends. There is more significant soiling in the white along the top half of the hoist. The repeating circular stains that run outward through the flag from the hoist end are common in large parade flags like this one. These resulted from the metal tacks that were used to affix the flag to a wooden staff, on which it was rolled and stored. These tacks also caused the small holes along the hoist end. There is minor fabric loss at the fly end from wind shear.
Collector Level: Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 38
Earliest Date of Origin: 1876
Latest Date of Origin: 1889
State/Affiliation: Colorado
War Association: 1866-1890 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

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