| VINTAGE CALIFORNIA STATE "BEAR" FLAG OF STOUT CONSTRUCTION, AND WITH SIGNIFICANT GOLDEN BROWN OXIDATION THAT LENDS TO BEAUTIFUL PATINA AND CONVEYS ITS AGE; LATTER 1940’s - 1960’s |
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| Web ID: | ofj-1003 |
| Available: | In Stock |
| Frame Size (H x L): | Approx. 46.5" x 65" |
| Flag Size (H x L): | 34.5" x 52.75" |
| Description: | |
| Early state flags fall between very scarce and extraordinarily rare in the antiques marketplace. One primary reason for this is that most states, even if they existed during the 18th or 19th century, didn’t actually adopt flags until the early 20th century. The Maryland State Legislature, for example, didn’t find need for a state banner until 1904, in spite of the fact that Maryland was one of the original 13 colonies. Other states had crests or symbols that were tied to the state legislature in some way, or to local patriotism, but didn't accept an official design until many years following statehood. In the case of California, the "Bear Flag," as all California state flags and variations thereof are often called, is based on a significant early example. The eldest surviving Bear Flag is thought to date to the 1846 “Bear Flag Revolt”. This occurred when Major John Frémont arrived in the state on a so-called mission to reach the Pacific and encouraged an uprising against Mexican rule in the territory. Frémont claimed himself military governor of the California Republic and was brought up on charges of treason for his actions, but was pardoned by President James Polk. Polk was an expansionist and Frémont’s actions brought California to statehood in 1850, immediately following the 1849 Gold Rush. The original Bear Flag was designed and made by William L. Todd, a first cousin to Abraham Lincoln’s wife, Mary Todd. Painted on cotton, it had a white field with a red stripe along the bottom, just the like modern design. The star image was taken from what was known as the “California Lone Star Flag”, flown during California's previous, 1836 revolt. Like the modern California flag, the red star appeared the upper hoist-end corner, but the bear was placed next to the star. On a later version, designed by a man named Peter Storm in 1870, the bear was fierce and walking. On the modern design it is black and brown, centered on the field, prominently huge, and walking. The bear on the first bear flag and other early bear flags more closely resembles the more common American black bear than a grizzly, seen in the lack of shoulder hump and narrower muzzle. The bear on Storm’s 1870 version closely resembles the coat of arms of Bern, Switzerland, its capital city. The coat of arms displays a black bear walking toward the left with fierce claws and a protruding tongue. It is of interest to note that Switzerland was the home country of John Sutter, who established Sutter's Fort, in the area which would spawn the California Gold Rush and eventually become Sacramento, California's state capital. On Todd’s 1846 flag, the words “California Republic” likewise appeared in black, but the letters spanned the width of the star and bear images and placed immediately below them. Today they are positioned between the red bar and the bear device. Unfortunately Todd’s flag was destroyed in the fires following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, but an image of it was captured in an 1890 photograph. It is of interest to note that the bear flag did not become the official California state flag until it was adopted by the California State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Hiram Johnson in 1911. States were regularly participating in World’s Fair events by this time—popular between the late 19th and mid 20th centuries—and were probably compelled to create state banners because other states were doing so. Fair committees were no doubt requesting that states submit the official designs for their seal and flag, and anyone not doing so would be left out of displays where all were shown, etc. Because state flags are desired by modern antiques enthusiasts and because early copies are scarce or non-existent, I am sometimes compelled to acquire interesting vintage examples from the mid-20th century. This particular "bear flag" was likely made between approximately 1940 and the 1960’s. Though unsigned, like most flags of the early-mid 20th century and prior, is of notably stout construction, with an unusually wide binding along the hoist and two uncommonly substantial copper grommets, stamped with a numeral “2.” The bear device, star, and lettering were printed on either heavy cotton bunting or a blended cotton fabric, in a variant of the mothproof types being adopted by flag-makers to replace wool bunting. This is an especially attractive example, obviously flown for a lengthy period, beautifully oxidized throughout to a weathered, golden tan, soiled and wind whipped from obvious use. The fly end was hemmed by way of 4 vertical rows of stitching, the maximum one will see in a flag of this size and likewise unordinary. The bear device remains strong, while the red bar and star are pleasantly faded. All of the piecework and hemming was accomplished by machine stitching. Mounting: For 25 years we have maintained a specialized department for this purpose. Our lead conservator holds a master's degree in textile conservation from one of the nation’s top university programs. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and related textiles and have preserved thousands of examples. The background is 100% cotton twill, black in color, that has been washed and treated for colorfastness. The black-painted and hand-gilded molding, with its wide, serpentine profile, is Italian. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic (Plexiglas). Feel free to contact us for more details. Condition: In addition to the soiling and fading discussed in the above narrative, there is an area of significant loss from wind shear in the upper, fly end corner. Fabric of similar coloration was placed behind this for masking purposes. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use. The flag presents beautifully. |
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| Video: | |
| Collector Level: | Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts |
| Flag Type: | Sewn flag |
| Star Count: | |
| Earliest Date of Origin: | 1948 |
| Latest Date of Origin: | 1970 |
| State/Affiliation: | California |
| War Association: | |
| Price: | Please call (717) 676-0545 or (717) 502-1281 |
| E-mail: | info@jeffbridgman.com |
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