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  TRIANGULAR FELT SUFFRAGETTE PENNANT, IN A RARE SIZE AND FORM WITH AN ELONGATED PROFILE, 1910-1920

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 21.5" x 53.24"
Flag Size (H x L): 11" x 39" + ties
Description....:
Triangular, felt, suffragette pennant with applied black lettering that reads: "Votes for Women" on a cheddar yellow ground. At just under 40" in length, this is the longest example that I have come in contact with and the format itself is also especially long and narrow. At the fly end there is a black triangular wedge with an applied yellow "V," perpendicular to the remainder of the text. This could simply emphasize the "V" for "votes," or may doubly serve to signify "V" for "Victory." The latter reference isn't seen very often in the WWI era as it is in the period surrounding WWII, where it appears prolifically on patriotic items. For this reason it seem that the former reference is the intended purpose.

Yellow was the customary color of the suffrage movement in America, coupled with a variety of subordinate colors, primarily black on felt textiles. Violet and green were the traditional colors of the women's movement in England, but these can be seen as well in certain American objects.

Suffragette banners and pennants are particularly scarce and sought-after. This one is rare among the known designs. An example in this style was documented in "The Keynoter: Journal of the American Political Items Conservators," Summer/Fall/Winter 2008 (Women's Suffrage Special Triple Issue), Volume 2008, Number 2-4, p.134.

Mounting: The pennant has been hand-stitched to a background of 100% cotton twill, black in color, which was washed to reduce excess dye. The black fabric was washed to reduce excess dye. An acid-free agent was added to the wash to further set the dye and the fabric was heat-treated for the same purpose. The mount was then placed in a very dark brown molding, almost black, with red highlights and a cove profile, to which a black-painted and hand-gilded Italian molding was added as a cap. The glazing is U.V. protective plexiglass.

Condition: There is some rust-colored staining, minor fading, fraying, and moderate general wear. Many of my clients prefer early flags and banners to show their age and history of use. The rarity of this example well-warrants the condition.
Collector Level: Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything
Flag Type:
Star Count:
Earliest Date of Origin: 1910
Latest Date of Origin: 1920
State/Affiliation:
War Association:
Price: SOLD
 

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