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  44 STARS IN JUSTIFIED ROWS ON A LARGE SCALE PARADE FLAG WITH STRIKING COLORS AND PLEASANT WEAR, WYOMING STATEHOOD, 1890-1896

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 46.25" x 62.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 35.5" x 51.25"
Description....:
44 STARS IN JUSTIFIED ROWS ON A LARGE SCALE PARADE FLAG WITH STRIKING COLORS AND PLEASANT WEAR, WYOMING STATEHOOD, 1890-1896:

44 star American national parade flag, printed on coarse, glazed cotton. Note the striking contrast between the saturated shades of royal blue and sun fire red. The orange overtone in the stripes results from the fact that the red pigment is colored with madder, which has a red-orange hue. This coloration is often seen on early parade flags, but it isn't always as attractive as it occurs in this instance. Further, it is typically seen on flags that date to 1876 or prior and is less often present on later examples.

The stars are arranged in justified rows of 7-8-7-7-8-7, which is an unusual layout. Note how the wear, both in the patina caused by oxidation and staining and minor fabric losses, actually contributes significantly to its overall presentation. The same is true of its size. Parade flags are typically three feet in length or smaller on the fly. This one measures more than 50 inches and is relatively huge among its 19th century counterparts.

The 44th state, Wyoming, joined the Union on July 10th, 1890. The 44 star flag was generally used from that year until 1896.

Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to a background of 100% cotton twill, black in color, which was 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 glazing is U.V. protective plexiglass.

Condition: See above. There is some foxing and water staining throughout. There is a series of three small holes near the fly end, located in the 6th and 7th stripes. There are minor lateral splits in the fabric along the hoist end, accompanied by two significant splits with associated losses at the very top of the canton, running laterally for most of its length. These were easily stabilized during the mounting process. Many collectors 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: 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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