Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  48 HAND-EMBROIDERED STARS & FINELY HAND-SEWN SILK RIBBON STRIPES:

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 30 x 43.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 20" x 33.5"
Description....:
By the 20th century almost all American flags were commercially manufactured. This 48 star example, however, was handmade with the kind of precision seen in the best samplers, silk embroideries, and quilts. Though it is rarely seen in flag-making, silk ribbon was a logical choice for the making of stripes. With selvedge on both sides, it could be easily sewn together without the need for various types of folding for seams. Ribbon was the choice of Betsy Ross?s granddaughter and great-granddaughter, who made flags for tourists in Philadelphia around the turn-of-the-century. But I have never seen it used in the making of a 48 star flag previous to this example. One has to look closely to see the very fine hand-stitching used to join the silk satin ribbon stripes, and to apply the blue canton to the white stripe below it. A close inspection of the stars also reveals that the high-quality of the embroidery work was also accomplished by hand, using silk floss on a sturdy rayon fabric. The seaming and binding of the fabric is also hand-sewn, as is the application of its silk ribbon ties at the hoist end. Though rayon existed as early as the teens, this particular weave probably places the date of the flag?s making in the WWII era. Since it was used very little, if at all, its purpose was probably to serve as a presentation gift for a soldier or government official. The 48 star flag represents the addition of New Mexico and Arizona in 1912. The 48 star flag was official from that year until 1959. Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% silk organza for support, then to a background of black, 100% cotton twill. The black cotton was washed to remove excess dye, and an acid-free agent was added to the wash to further set the dye. The flag was then placed in a black painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. Spacers keep the textile away from the glass, which is u.v. protective.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 48
Earliest Date of Origin: 1912
Latest Date of Origin: 1959
State/Affiliation: Arizona
War Association: WW 2
Price: No
 

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