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  38 STARS IN DANCING ROWS ON A PARADE FLAG WITH ESPECIALLY LARGE SCALE AND BRILLIANT, CHROME ORANGE STRIPES, COLORADO STATEHOOD, 1876-1889

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): Approx. 40" x 58.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 30" x 48.5"
Description....:
38 STARS IN DANCING ROWS ON A PARADE FLAG WITH ESPECIALLY LARGE SCALE AND BRILLIANT, CHROME ORANGE STRIPES, COLORADO STATEHOOD, 1876-1889:

38 star American national parade flag, printed on coarse, glazed cotton. The stars are arranged in justified rows of 7-6-6-6-6-7, which is a common layout, but note how their position varies, with all stars tilted so that one point faces in either the 11:00 or 1:00 position, alternating from one row to the next. Because of the perceived similarity to staggered rows of dancers kicking one leg up in ordered sequence, I sometimes refer to the arrangement as "dancing rows". This lends a nice visual quality to the overall design. The fact that the stars are quite large with respect to the amount of space they fill also contributes to the presentation, as does the brilliant color of the chrome orange stripes.

Colorado became the 38th state on August 1st, 1876. This was just 28 days after the official centennial celebration, which took place on July 4th. 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 counts of 38 and 13 (to reference the original 13 colonies) stars are more often seen on flags made in the year of the centennial. Some makers were actually producing 39 star flags, in hopeful anticipation of the addition of another Western Territory. The 38 star flag was generally used until 1889, when four new states joined the Union.

Most parade flags measure 3 feet or less on the fly. At 50 inches this is an unusually large example with excellent graphic impact. Because most flags with pieced-and-sewn construction (as opposed to printed) are significantly larger and more difficult to frame and display, the bold but manageable size of this flag is a very desirable trait.

Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton, black in color, that has been washed 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 substantial, black-painted, Italian molding of excellent quality, to which a black-painted, silver gilded and distressed liner was added. The glazing is U.V. protective Plexiglas.

Condition: There are horizontal splits running from the hoist end into the body of the flag in the 4th and 5th white stripes. There are small tears and losses in the upper, hoist-end corner of the canton, including one star. There are scattered minor to moderate losses toward the fly end in the white stripes. There is some fading of the blue canton. There is minor pigment loss and soiling. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
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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