| SWALLOW-TAILED PARADE FLAG / PENNANT WITH “1776 CENTENNIAL 1876” SET WITHIN A SUNBURNT, RED-ORANGE, EGG-SHAPED WINDOW, WITHIN A BLUE BORDER WITH 37 STARS; AN EXTREMELY RARE EXAMPLE, MADE TO CELEBRATE THE 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE |
|
| Web ID: | pat-822 |
| Available: | In Stock |
| Frame Size (H x L): | 27" x 37.25" |
| Flag Size (H x L): | 17" x 27.5" |
| Description: | |
| Early American parade flag pennant / banner, printed on glazed cotton, with a tapered, swallow tail format. In the center, printed in in relief, large, whimsical characters spell the message: “1176 Centennial 1876,” punctuated by 4 large stars. Set against an oval ground of vibrant sunburnt red/orange, the shape is actually purposeful, though it may not seem so to the casual observer. Oval, from the Latin “ovum”, symbolizes eternity / unity / new beginnings. Present in other centennial imagery and objects, it represents an egg, to metaphorically illustrating the birth of America. Numerous types of parade flag style pennants were produced to celebrate our nation’s 100th anniversary of independence. With the exception of certain designs that feature George and/or Martha Washington, and the Liberty Bell, most surviving examples are especially rare. Many of those known survive do so as either the only known example, or as one of just two or three. Made to be tacked to a staff, in order that it may be waved at parades or political events, numerous flag-makers produced this basic template, with blue or sometimes red, starred borders along the top, bottom, and fly ends. Some horizontal, and some vertical, the open center could be specially printed with whatever the customer desired. In addition to text to those made to celebrate specific events, most makers offered these with a standard lineup of portraits of both presidential candidates and historical figures, as well as state and local devices, and those of various fraternal organizations. Because many flag-makers catered to the same general audience, most copied one-another’s designs, with slight variations in size, profile, colors, images, and star counts. Large, bold, and colorful, this particular parade flag / pennant is one of approximately 6 or 6 known examples. Mounting: For 25 years we have maintained our own textile conservation department, led by expert staff. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and related textiles and have preserved thousands of examples. Made circa 1865-1880, the two-part frame dates to the same period as the flag. This consists of a solid walnut molding, with a deep, scooped profile and exceptional, dark, early surface. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic (Plexiglas). Condition: Check back for a full report. |
|
| Video: | |
| Collector Level: | Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything |
| Flag Type: | Parade flag |
| Star Count: | 37 |
| Earliest Date of Origin: | 1876 |
| Latest Date of Origin: | 1876 |
| State/Affiliation: | Pennsylvania |
| War Association: | |
| Price: | Please call (717) 676-0545 or (717) 502-1281 |
| E-mail: | info@jeffbridgman.com |
 |
|
