Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  39 STARS IN TWO SIZES, ALTERNATING FROM ONE COLUMN TO THE NEXT, ON AN ANTIQUE AMERICAN PARADE FLAG DATING TO THE 1876 CENTENNIAL, NEVER AN OFFICIAL STAR COUNT, REFLECTS THE ANTICIPATED ARRIVAL OF COLORADO AND THE DAKOTA TERRITORY

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 35.25" x 28"
Flag Size (H x L): 25" x 17.25"
Description....:
39 star American parade flag, printed on plain weave cotton. Flags in this star count, never official, were made at two different times in the late 19th century. The first were produced in 1876, in anticipation of the addition of two new states. Only one of these arrived in that year, Colorado, which entered the Union on August 1st. This brought the number of stars from the official count of 37 to 38, though the 38th star was not officially added until the following year on July 4th, per the directive of the Flag Act of 1818, that established an official “flag year.”

Thirteen years later, 39 star flags were made again, in anticipation of the addition of the Dakota Territory. On November 2nd, 1889, the Dakotas came in as two different states, North & South, forever rendering 39 star flags obsolete, unofficial, and inaccurate for so much as a day.

In some cases, flag makers may have saved the 1876 print designs and used them again in 1889. It is also possible that some 39 star flags may have remained in the stock rooms of flag-makers and dry goods stores for more than a decade, to be brought out again when the actual addition of the 39th state once again loomed on the horizon. Whatever the case may be, this particular style is known is known to have been produced in the earlier time frame, as evidenced by its inclusion in quilts made to celebrate the 100th anniversary of American independence. The existence of 39 star flags is a classic display of both American capitalism and expansionist ideals for the growth of the nation.

This is one of only three varieties of early American parade flags known that incorporate stars in two different sizes to form columns of equal height, all of which occur in the 39 star count and are likely to have been produced by the same maker. Note the "squarish" proportions of the canton of this particular example, as well as its striking blue color.

Mounting: For 25 years we have maintained a specialized department for this purpose. Our lead conservator holds a master's degree in textile conservation from one of the nation’s top programs. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and related textiles and have preserved thousands of examples.

The flag has been placed in its correct vertical position, with the canton in the upper left. The black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed molding is Italian. The background is 100% cotton twill, black in color, that has been washed and treated for colorfastness. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective acrylic (Plexiglas). Feel free to contact us for more details.

Condition: Excellent. There are no significant condition issues.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 39
Earliest Date of Origin: 1876
Latest Date of Origin: 1876
State/Affiliation: North Dakota
War Association: 1866-1890 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

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