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  PATRIOTIC BANNER with an EAGLE CARRYING THE LIBERTY BELL

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 27.75" x 38.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 17.75" x 28"
Description....:
PATRIOTIC BANNER with an EAGLE CARRYING THE LIBERTY BELL, 38 STARS AROUND THE PERIMETER and 13 IN THE CENTER, HORIZONTAL VERSION:

Patriotic banner, printed on coarse, glazed cotton, made for the celebration of our nation's centennial of independence in 1876. This is one of many versions made by the American Flag Company in New York City, but it is a rare example and one of the most elaborate. Most of the printed, banner-like textiles made by the American flag company share this blue border with 38 stars (the full compliment of states as of August 1st of that year), but they appear in a tapered, swallowtail format. This rectangular banner is very unusual and contains an additional 13, large, golden yellow stars in its center to commemorate the original 13 colonies. The bold, black text reads:

Centennial Union.

It Proclaimed Liberty in 1776.

Let it Proclaim Peace and Unity in 1876.

These words and stars surround a spread winged eagle carrying the Liberty Bell, with the date "1776" above it. In the mouth of the eagle is a red banner with the familiar words "E Pluribus Unum". Behind these elements are six national ensigns, including that of France, Ireland, Germany, Great Britain, Russia, and a Stars & Stripes with a beautiful snowflake medallion configuration of stars. Below and to the left of the French colors, the word "copyrighted" appears in parenthesis. This is the only banner I have seen in this exact style. One other, almost identical example exists in a slightly different version. It has 13 red stars instead of golden yellow, but is badly stained. Three such banners exist in a vertical, swallowtail format. Mounting: The banner has been stitched to 100% cotton rag mat and placed in a black painted, hand-gilded and distressed, contemporary Italian molding. Spacers keep the textile away from the glass, which is u.v. protective. Condition: There are no significant condition issues.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 38
Earliest Date of Origin: 1876
Latest Date of Origin: 1876
State/Affiliation: Colorado
War Association: 1866-1889 Indian Wars
Price: No
 

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