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

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 20.25" x 8.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 15.25" x 3.25"
Description....:
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's 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 and a sky blue tassel. 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 produced this same design for the Centennial International Exposition in 1876, our nation's first World's Fair, held to celebrate our 100-year anniversary of independence. The 38 stars displayed on the shield reference the time period in which the design originated. 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, though was delayed a year due to the complexity of the project.

Medallions in the top register of the paper backing indicate Phoenix's participation in 11 other events and the corresponding 12 awards won in the process. Text above these reads: "Twelve Highest Medals Awarded or Phoenix Manufacturing Co.," and below "Manufactureres of Illuminated Silk Book markers, Badges, & c. & c.; Paterson, N.J., Allentown, P.A., Pottsville, PA." Along the bottom register, more text indicating that the ribbon was actually produced at the fair. This reads "Woven at The World's Columbian Exposition, Machinery Department, Annex 28, Column 049. Chicago, 1893."

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 gilded and distressed Italian molding, to which a rippled profile molding, black with gold highlights, was added as a cap.

Condition: There us very light toning on the textile itself. The paper has some oxidation and foxing, a fold line in the center with a small stain and extremely minor loss, and minor losses at the corners.
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: SOLD
 

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