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  44 STARS IN ZIGZAGGING ROWS ON AN ANTIQUE AMERICAN AMERICAN FLAG MADE DURING THE LAST DECADE OF THE 19TH CENTURY, REFLECTS WYOMING STATEHOOD, 1890-1896

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): Approx. 63" x 106.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 51.25" x 94.5"
Description....:
44 star antique American flag with an attractive configuration of large stars, in zigzagging lineal rows, arranged in counts of 8-7-7-7-7-8. Wyoming joined the Union as the 44th state statehood on July 10th, 1890. Many flag makers would have began to add a 44th star to their flags on or before that day, and the 44 star flag would have generally seen use until the addition of Utah approximately five-and-a-half years later. The 44 star flag became official on July 4th, 1891 and remained so until July 3rd, 1896.

Presidents serving under this term include Republican Benjamin Harrison and Democrat Grover Cleveland, the latter of whom became the only man to win the White House in two non-consecutive elections.

The canton and stripes the flag are made of wool bunting that has been joined with treadle stitching. The stars of the flag are made of cotton and are double-appliquéd (applied to both sides of the flag) with a lineal treadle stitch. There is a heavy canvas binding along the hoist with two brass grommets, along which a penciled inscription reads “8ft,” to indicate the length of the flag on the fly.

The name “Mc Guyn” is inscribed in pencil on both the obverse and reverse of the hoist. The name “Jindill” is painted in black at the extreme fly end of the 1st and last white stripes, perpendicular to their length, within the hem. In each case these would represent the names of former owners. It was common to mark flags in this fashion to indicate ownership during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In searching either name, I could find nothing meaniful that would contribute to the origins of this flag.

This is an especially nice flag with strong colors and a bold presentation.

Mounting: The flag was mounted and framed within our own conservation department, which is led by expert staff. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and have framed thousands of examples.

The background is 155% cotton twill, black in color, that has been washed and treated to reduce excess dye. The mount was placed in a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic.

Condition: There are some extremely minor holes in limited areas, accompanied by a minor hole and nearly closed tear near the center of the 5th red stripe. There is very minor foxing and staining.
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:
Price: SOLD
 

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