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45 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH BEAUTIFUL, ELONGATED PROPORTIONS AND GENEROUS SCALE, 1896-1908, UTAH STATEHOOD, SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR ERA

45 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH BEAUTIFUL, ELONGATED PROPORTIONS AND GENEROUS SCALE, 1896-1908, UTAH STATEHOOD, SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR ERA

Web ID: 45j-1002
Available: In Stock
Frame Size (H x L): Approx. 56.6" x 105.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 44.5" x 92"
 
Description:
45 star American national flag with a beautiful, elongated format, in a generous scale. The stars, which are arranged in staggered, lineal rows of 8-7-8-7-8-7, are oriented so that one point is directed upright throughout.

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.

Although this technically remained the official star count until July 3rd, 1908, 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.

Construction: The canton and stripes of the flag are made of wool bunting that has been pieced by machine. The stars are made of cotton and are double-appliquéd (applied to both sides) with a zigzag machine stitch. There is a twill cotton binding along the hoist, with two brass grommets. The surname “Knox” is penciled along the binding, near the bottom, on the obverse. Between this and the grommet is a tiny, hand-stitched patch with an embroidered letter “K.” These would reflect the name of a former owner, as it was common to mark flags in such fashion during the 19th and early 20th centuries, to indicate ownership. Remnants of cotton twine are tied to both grommets.

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

The black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed molding is Italian. The background is 100% cotton twill, black in color. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass. Feel free to contact us for more details.

Condition: Exceptional for a wool flag of the period. There is extremely minor mothing in limited areas, accompanied by modest mothing near the bottom, hoist end corner.
Video:
   
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: Please call (717) 676-0545 or (717) 502-1281
E-mail: info@jeffbridgman.com


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