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  STEVENSGRAPH BOOK MARK WITH AN IMAGE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON, MADE FOR THE 1893 WORLD COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION (A.K.A.THE CHICAGO WORLD'S FAIR)

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 21" x 9"
Flag Size (H x L): 15.5" x 3.5"
Description....:
STEVENSGRAPH BOOK MARK WITH AN IMAGE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON, MADE FOR THE 1893 WORLD COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION (A.K.A.THE CHICAGO WORLD'S FAIR):

Stevensgraph (woven silk picture), in the form of a book mark, on its original paper display label with the markings of the manufacturer. Made as a souvenir for the World Columbian Exposition, a.k.a. the Chicago World's Fair, in 1893, this patriotic textile was produced by the Phoenix Manufacturing Company, originally of Patterson, New Jersey, which by this date had additional locations in Pottstown and Allentown, Pennsylvania.

The form is straight with a triangular wedge at the bottom. The colors are exceptional. The finely executed imagery features a bust-like portrait of George Washington beneath an eagle carrying a billowing Stars & Stripes. Under Washington is an open laurel wreath with a red bow, followed by "The Father of His Country" in beautiful, fancy lettering, with a patriotic shield at the bottom.

The company had previously made this same design for the 1876 World's Fair, a.k.a., the Centennial International Exposition, held to celebrate our nation’s 100-year anniversary of independence. Its popularity evidently caused Phoenix manufacturing to produce them again in for the 1893 World's Fair, which was supposed to have occurred in 1892 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the landing of Christopher Columbus.

Medallions in the top register of the paper backing indicate Phoenix's participation in 11 other World's Fairs and awards won at those events.

"Aunt Emma" is inscribed with a dip pen, vertically along the edge of the paper backing, followed by a surname that appears to begin with a letter "E" and might be "Eaton" or "Eatin", but is illegible.

Mounting: This is a pressure mount between 100% cotton and U.V. protective acrylic. The black fabric has been 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 placed in a modern molding that is very dark brown, nearly black, with modest red highlights.

Condition: The textile is excellent. The paper is very fine with light fold marks.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type:
Star Count:
Earliest Date of Origin: 1893
Latest Date of Origin: 1893
State/Affiliation: Illinois
War Association:
Price: Please call (717) 676-0545 or (717) 502-1281
 

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