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  COLORADO PENNANT IN THE FORM OF THE COLORADO STATE FLAG, MADE IN DENVER BY M. SILVERMAN BETWEEN 1913 AND 1916, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE 1911 CREATION AND ADOPTION OF THE DESIGN

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 22.5" x 47"
Flag Size (H x L): 11.25" x 34"
Description....:
Early state flags are few and far between. While I am asked for them constantly, most states did not actually have official flags until the 20th century.

After flags were made official, very few seem to have been produced, probably because demand for use was limited to World's Fair pavilions and certain governmental locations. States didn't spend money in a fashion like they might be more inclined to today, when there are budgets for everything under the sun. To put things in some sort of perspective, consider the fact that there was no Federal income tax until 1913, and most states didn't have income tax prior to the 1930's. Some didn't until the 1960's and 70's (and a handful still don't). And while states had other sources of revenue, suffice to say that things were very different at the time when most states were adopting flags.

When the few flags that were produced were worn out, it is reasonable to assume that most were discarded. Unlike the Stars & Stripes, Americans were probably unlikely to save a state flag that was new to them. There would be no personal attachment to the various designs and thus no nostalgic tug at the heartstrings to keep a worn-out example.

The first quarter of the 20th century was followed by the Great Depression and then by WWII (U.S. involvement 1917-18). Neither of these periods was one where money or scarce resources were often squandered on extravagance. Post-WWII America was full of patriotism and greater wealth, and state flags begin to appear in the 1950's/60's in small quantity, but it was not until the 1970's and 80's that they become more frequent among the vintage goods we see today in the marketplace.

This wonderful Colorado pennant version of the Colorado State Flag is a fine exception. Made of wool, large, attractive, and of fine quality, it bears two tags on the reverse. One of these describes the adoption of the state flag design, the various meanings for the inclusion of the letter "C," and the explanation for the choice of colors. This reads as follows:

Originated by Denver Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Adopted by the Eighteenth General Assembly, may 6, 1911. Bill introduced by Senator W. H. Sharply. Design by A.C. [Andrew Carlisle] Carson, President of the Ohio Society of Colorado.

SIGNIFICATIONS
Letter "C" Capital for Colorado
Centennial State
Columbine State
Red Color "Colorado" in Spanish
Gold . . Greatest Gold State
All-the-year Sunshine
One Columbine Color
One color more than U.S. Flag
White . . Greatest Silver State
Eternal Mountain Snow
One Columbine Color.
Yale Blue All-the-year Blue Sky
One Columbine Color.
(Color of the D.A.R.)

The other tag is that of the maker. This reads "M. Silverman; Manufacturer; 537 15th St. Denver, Colo." Silverman was in business in 1911, listed in the Colorado Business Directory for that year as "SILVERMAN M, designer of all kinds embroideries and mfr high school and fraternity banners, sofa pillows, dance handkerchiefs etc; The French Embroidery Works. 1509 Tremont, Phone Main 370." This directory appears to have been a bi-annual publication, spanning 1912. By 1913 he is listed at the 537 15th St. address listed on the tag. He is listed there in the 1915 directory as well, but by the 1917 issue his address had changed to 528 16th St. So the pennant was produced sometime between roughly 1913 and 1916, immediately following the 1911 adoption of the Colorado State flag design.

Being able to date this pennant to a 4-year window, and so near to tle Colorado flag's creation is very significant because it makes this the earliest actual example that I have seen in any form. Further, one should note that I have never seen any vintage example of any kind made prior to roughly the 1970's or 1980's.

Mounting: The flag was mounted and framed within our own conservation department, which is led by masters degree trained staff. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and have framed thousands of examples; more than anyone worldwide.

The background is 100% hemp or a cotton & hemp blended fabric. The black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed molding is Italian. The glazing is U.V. protective plexiglass. Feel free to contact us for more details.

Condition: There are extremely small and minor stains. The overall condition is fantastic.
Collector Level: Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count:
Earliest Date of Origin: 1913
Latest Date of Origin: 1916
State/Affiliation: Colorado
War Association:
Price: SOLD
 

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