Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
Sold Flags



  RARE SUFFRAGETTE ARMBAND IN GOLDEN YELLOW FELT, ONE OF ONLY TWO EXAMPLES THAT I HAVE ENCOUNTERED IN THIS COLOR & THE ONLY ONE IN THIS EXACT STYLE; MADE circa 1912-1919

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 11.25" x 16"
Flag Size (H x L): 3.75" x 8.5"
Description....:
Wide, felt armband, in the traditional golden yellow of the American Suffrage movement, with printed black text that reads: “Votes for Women.” Though akin to the most often encountered forms of yellow felt textiles produced for Suffragettes, this example is particularly special. In spite of it being a form that a casual observer might expect to have been readily produced, this is the only one I have seen in this exact form, and one of just two in this color that I have seen in any form that were purposefully sewn in this capacity, probably by the maker. The other was very similar, but with a different manner of lettering.

Golden yellow was the customary color of the suffrage movement in America, a tradition begun with the first actual campaign to give women the right to vote. This took place in 1867 in Kansas, the first state to hold a referendum on the issue, when suffragists Susan B. Anthony and Carrie Stanton focused their efforts there and wore sunflowers—the state flower—in a show of support, as well as yellow ribbons. The flower was an appropriate emblem for a rising sun and growth, which led to its use in other states. The color would carry through over to many other objects employed in the campaign for years to come. In England, green, white, and purple / violet were introduced in 1908 and became the colors of the movement, which gave way to a nice acronym for “Give Women the Vote.” Various groups used these colors also, in the States, sometimes substituting golden yellow for green.

Votes for Women textiles of all kinds are particularly scarce and sought-after. Due to its exceptional rarity, this is a great relic of the suffrage period.

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

The solid walnut molding dates to the period between 1860 and 1880, has a fluted edge, and retains its original gilded liner. The textile was fitted around a custom-made form. The background fabric is 100% cotton twill, black in color, that has been washed and treated for colorfastness. A deep shadowbox was created to accommodate the textile. The glazing is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: There is a tiny nick along the top edge and there are pinprick-sized dots of staining in limited areas. Some fading.
Collector Level: Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything
Flag Type:
Star Count:
Earliest Date of Origin: 1912
Latest Date of Origin: 1919
State/Affiliation:
War Association:
Price: SOLD
 

Views: 46