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  45 STARS ON AN ESPECIALLY ATTRACTIVE DENIM BLUE CANTON, A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF A COTTON BUNTING FLAG OF THIS PERIOD, 1896-1907, SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR ERA, UTAH STATEHOOD

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L):
Flag Size (H x L): 53" x 91"
Description....:
45 STARS ON AN ESPECIALLY ATTRACTIVE DENIM BLUE CANTON, A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF A COTTON BUNTING FLAG OF THIS PERIOD, 1896-1907, SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR ERA, UTAH STATEHOOD:

45 star American national flag with especially nice colors and design. These include a light weight, denim blue denim canton with a grainy, western feel to its attractive weave, as well as a staggered row pattern of stars that are not perfectly lined up. Note how the rows of seven stars are lined up on the hoist side, but end in different places. Also note how the entire grouping of 6 rows is off-center, leaving too much open space at the bottom. The above factors combine in such a way to add a healthy amount of folk quality to the 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.

The stripes of the flag are made of cotton bunting. These and the canton have been pieced by machine. The stars of the flag are made of cotton and double-appliqued (sewn to both sides) with a zigzag machine stitch. There is a canvas binding along the hoist with two brass grommets. The words "cotton bunting" are stenciled on the hoist in faded black ink. Cotton bunting is unusual during this period among flags with pieced-and-sewn construction.

Mounting: The flag has not yet been mounted. We have a professional conservation staff that can handle all of your mounting and framing needs.

Condition: There are small rust spots along the hoist binding, where tacks once held the flag to a staff or a wall. There is minor foxing and staining throughout, but there are no serious condition issues. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 45
Earliest Date of Origin: 1896
Latest Date of Origin: 1908
State/Affiliation: Utah
War Association: 1898 Spanish American War
Price: SOLD
 

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