Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  44 TUMBLING STARS IN AN HOURGLASS PATTERN, ON AN ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH A STRIKING, BRIGHT BLUE CANTON AND SCARLET STRIPES, REFLECTS WYOMING STATEHOOD, circa 1890-1896

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 47.25" x 30.75"
Flag Size (H x L): 36" x 19.5"
Description....:
44 star American parade flag, printed on coarse, glazed cotton. Wyoming was admitted as the 44th state on July 10th, 1890. Although the 44 star count would not become official until July 4th of the following year, flag makers would have begun to add a 44th star immediately, if not even beforehand, in hopeful anticipation. This became common practice among flag-makers during the latter 19th century, reflecting both their support of westward expansion and a desire not to be one step behind their competitors. While the 44 star count remained official until July 3rd, 1896, it would have generally fallen out of use when Utah gained statehood on January 4th of that year.

The stars of this particular example 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. Note how the stars vary in their vertical position from one to the next, with a single point up, then a single point down, alternating consecutively across each row in a sequence I have termed “tumbling stars”. This adds a nice visual element to the flag’s design.

The flag’s strong colors also lend a great deal to its visual appeal. Note how the bright blue canton contrasts beautifully with the scarlet red stripes.

Mounting: The flag was placed in its correct vertical position, with its stars in the upper left. It was mounted and framed within our own conservation department, which is led by expert trained staff. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and have framed thousands of examples.

The black-painted and hand-gilded molding is Italian. The background is 100% cotton twill, black in color, that was washed and treated for colorfastness. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic.

Condition: There are minor to modest losses at and near the hoist end, accompanied by modest staining, from the metal tacks that originally affixed the flag to a wooden staff, and perhaps the acidity within the staff itself. There is minor soiling elsewhere, particularly in the center stripe and along the fly end, where there is minor to modest fading. There is a scattering of tiny holes in the top, fly end corner. There is very minor pigment loss in the last red stripe. 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: 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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