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  44 STARS IN DANCING ROWS IN AN HOURGLASS FORMATION, ON AN ANTIQUE AMERICAN PARADE FLAG, 1890-1896, REFLECTS WYOMING STATEHOOD

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): Approx. 39" x 30.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 26.75" x 18.25"
Description....:
44 star American parade flag, printed on coarse, glazed cotton. The stars are configured in rows of 8-7-7-7-7-8, with the top and bottom rows offset so that they resemble a broad hourglass. Although there was no official configuration until 1912, this attractive star design can often be encountered on 44 star flags.

Wyoming became the 44th state on July 10th, 1890. Even though the 44 star flag was not official until July 4th, 1891, most flag-makers would have begun to add a 44th star to their flags as soon as Wyoming declared statehood, or perhaps even before the state was actually added. Because flag-making was a competitive venture, flag-makers did not want to be producing 43 star flags, for example, when their competitors were selling 44’s. The 44 star flag would have generally seen use until the addition of Utah in 1896. Presidents serving under this flag include Benjamin Harrison, Grover Cleveland, and William McKinley.

Note how the stars are canted slightly, with one point directed in either the 1:00 or 11:00 position, alternating consecutively from one row to the next. This adds a nice visual effect to the flag’s design. I have termed this configuration "dancing rows," though it may also accurately be referred to as "tilting" or "canted" rows. Note also how the blue pigment extends beyond the canton, down the hoist end, which adds visual interest and displays the hand-made quality of the block printing used to produce it.

The initials "S.W.S." are inscribed in the last white stripe, near the hoist end. This would represent a former owner and it was common to mark flags in this fashion during the 19th and early 20th centuries to indicate ownership.

Mounting: The flag has been placed in its correct vertical position, with its stars in the upper left. It has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton twill, black in color, which was 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 black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The glazing is U.V. protective plexiglass.

Condition: There are minor losses in the canton between the 1st and 2nd rows of stars, and there are very minor losses along the hoist end, where the flag was once affixed to a wooden staff. There are very minor losses in the 1st, 2nd, and 5th white stripes, and extremely minor fraying along the edges. 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: Sewn flag
Star Count: 44
Earliest Date of Origin: 1890
Latest Date of Origin: 1896
State/Affiliation: Wyoming
War Association: 1866-1890 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

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