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  38 STARS IN A TRIPPLE WREATH MEDALLION CONFIGURATION WITH 2 OUTLIERS, A HUGE PARADE FLAG WITH GREAT WEAR, COLORADO STATEHOOD, 1876-1889

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 46" x 63"
Flag Size (H x L): 35.25" x 52.25"
Description....:
38 STARS IN A TRIPPLE WREATH MEDALLION CONFIGURATION WITH 2 OUTLIERS, A HUGE PARADE FLAG WITH GREAT WEAR, COLORADO STATEHOOD, 1876-1889:

38 star American parade flag, printed on coarse, glazed cotton, with a medallion star configuration. Specifically, this is a triple-wreath design, with three consecutive circles of stars surrounding a single, center star. Typically there are 4 flanking stars outside this type of pattern, one in each corner. Note that there are only two flanking on this example. This was done intentionally to leave room for the easy addition of two more states. Flag-makers felt that more Western Territories were soon to be added to the Union and eagerly anticipated their arrival.

The condition of the paint used in the printing of this textile is heavily craquelured throughout from extended use, which is actually rather stunning. Rather than minimizing its visual appeal, the wear has quite the opposite effect; it speaks of both modern art and its endearing, 19th century date.

The 38th state, Colorado, received its statehood 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 for the American flag 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 stars (to represent the original 13 colonies) are the two star counts most often seen at the Centennial International Exposition, the six-month long, World's Fair event, held in honor of the anniversary, in Philadelphia. The 38 star flag became official in 1877 and was generally used until the addition of the Dakotas in 1889.

Mounting: The flag was hand-stitched to 100% silk organza on every seam for support, then hand-stitched to a background of 100% cotton twill, black in color, which has been washed to remove 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 black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The front is U.V. Protective acrylic.

Condition: There is significant craquelure, accompanied by moderate wear with associated fabric loss, foxing and staining. There are two moderate holes in the stripe field. Patches of similar fabric were prepared and professionally painted to match to place behind these areas for masking purposes.
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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