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  45 STARS ON AN ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH A RICH INDIGO BLUE CANTON AND ATTRACTIVE WEAR, 1896-1907, SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR ERA, UTAH STATEHOOD

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): Approx. 58" x 74.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 47" x 63.5"
Description....:
45 STARS ON AN ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH A RICH INDIGO BLUE CANTON AND ATTRACTIVE WEAR, 1896-1907, SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR ERA, UTAH STATEHOOD:

45 star American national flag, made in the period between 1896 and 1907, with especially beautiful coloration and attractive wear from obvious use. Note in particular the rich indigo blue of the canton, which contrasts nicely with the salmon overtone in the red stripes and the natural white wool. Note how the proportions of the flag are rather square when compared to those of modern examples. While there were no official proportions for the American national flag until 1912, in this case the textile has been shortened and hemmed as a means of extending its service. This was done in the period, is both proper and acceptable among collectors. In fact, in some circumstances this can even add to the flag's appearance. That is the case here and the combination of the above factors result in a splendid presentation.

Utah became the 45th state in 1896. It had been attempting to gain statehood for many years, but remained a territory, primarily due to the fact that the Mormon Church and Utah authorities continued to be openly tolerant of polygamy. In 1890, Mormon Church President Wilford Woodruff published a manifesto that denounced the contract of "any marriages forbidden by the law of the land". This gave way to Utah's 1896 acceptance. The 45 star flag was generally used from that year until 1907, when Oklahoma joined the Union. Due to the Spanish-American War (1898) and Teddy Roosevelt's famous world tour of the "White Fleet" (launched in 1907), this was an extremely patriotic period.

Construction: The canton and stripes of the flag are made of wool bunting that has been pieced by machine. The stars are made of cotton and double-appliqued (sewn to both sides) with a zigzag machine stitch. There is a twill cotton binding along the hoist with two brass grommets. A blank-inked stamp near the top of the obverse (front) contains the numbers "4" and "6", separated by a Maltese cross, which indicates that the original size was 4 x 6 feet.

Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% silk organza for support on every seam and throughout the star field. The flag was then hand-stitched to a background of twill cotton, 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 is moderate fabric breakdown with associated loss in the top, hoist end corner of the canton and in the lower, fly end corner of the stripe field. There are very tiny holes elsewhere, minor foxing and staining, and there is fading of the inked stamp along the hoist binding.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 45
Earliest Date of Origin: 1896
Latest Date of Origin: 1907
State/Affiliation: Utah
War Association: 1898 Spanish American War
Price: SOLD
 

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