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  RARE AND EXCEPTIONAL 44 STAR UNITED STATES INFANTRY BATTLE FLAG WITH A MEDALLION CONFIGURATION, GOLD FRINGE, AND RED WOOL TIES, LATE INDIAN WARS, WYOMING STATEHOOD, 1890-1896

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): Approx. 86" x 88"
Flag Size (H x L): 74" x 76"
Description....:
RARE AND EXCEPTIONAL 44 STAR UNITED STATES INFANTRY BATTLE FLAG WITH A MEDALLION CONFIGURATION, GOLD FRINGE, AND RED WOOL TIES, LATE INDIAN WARS, WYOMING STATEHOOD, 1890-1896:

This rare 44 star American national flag is a United States infantry battle colors of the late Indian Wars period. Its stars are arranged in a triple wreath medallion, with a star in the very center and a flanking star in each corner of the blue canton. Because there was no official way to arrange the stars on the American flag until 1912, the design was left up to either the flag maker, or the party who ordered any given flag to be made. Dynamic, non-lineal star patterns, such as circular and star-shaped designs, are encountered with some degree of frequency until the time of our nation's 100-year anniversary of independence in 1876. A wide variety of whimsical geometric configurations were produced for the various celebrations that took place in that year, but for some unexplained reason, these exceptionally graphic star patterns were afterwards abandoned by almost all flag makers in favor of lineal rows.

Medallion configurations, like this one, are therefore rare in flags with greater than 38 stars, and that is one reason why this particular type of Stars & Stripes is so highly sought after by advanced collectors. The presence of gold fringe and long red ties add a lot to the already dynamic presentation of this particular flag.

19th century, Stars & Stripes format, U.S. Army regulation battle flags are very rare in the private market. I encounter a very small number of them each year. This is the only 44 star example I have ever offered and it presents a unique opportunity to own one of these rare American textiles.

The 44th state, Wyoming, gained its statehood on July 10th, 1890. The 44 star flag was official from 1891-1986.

Construction: The stripes and canton of the flag are made of wool bunting that has been joined with treadle stitching. The stars of the flag are made of cotton and are double-appliqued (applied to both sides of the flag) with a lineal treadle stitch. Along the hoist there is a series of seven pairs of ties, made from red wool tape. This means of attachment seems to have been preferred in wool regulation battle flags of the late 19th century, which are seldom see with sleeves or traditional hoist bindings. A gold wool fringe runs the perimeter on three sides.

Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% silk organza for support on every seam and throughout the canton. It was then hand-stitched to 100% cotton, black in color, which was washed to reduce excess dye. An acid-free agent was added to the wash to further set the dye, which was heat-treated for the same purpose. The mount was placed over a supportive strainer frame. For an additional cost, the mount can be placed in a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding, as shown in the lead photo, with U.V. protective acrylic glazing.

Condition: There is minor mothing, and there is some loss within the red wool tape at the top and bottom positions on the hoist, but there are no significant condition issues. A beautiful example of the period.
Collector Level: Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 44
Earliest Date of Origin: 1890
Latest Date of Origin: 1896
State/Affiliation: Wyoming
War Association: 1866-1890 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

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