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  46 STARS ON AN ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG, SIGNED BY THE MAKER, M.G. COPELAND OF WASHINGTON, D.C., 1907-1912, OKLAHOMA STATEHOOD

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): Approx. 61.5" x 105"
Flag Size (H x L): 49" x 92.5"
Description....:
46 star American national flag, made and signed by Copeland, a flag maker from Washington, D.C. The 46th state, Oklahoma, joined the Union on November 16th, 1907, during Teddy Roosevelt’s presidency. Roosevelt had many friends in the Oklahoma Territory from his Rough Rider days, and ushered it through to statehood. The 46 star flag became official on July 4th, 1908 and remained so until July 3rd, 1912. Many 46 star flags were made earlier, however, in great anticipation of the future addition of the state, which had previously been appointed to Native Americans.

The canton and stripes of the flag are made of wool bunting that has been pieced by machine. A triangular gusset made of the same wool bunting is present at the bottom of the flag on the hoist end for reinforcement. The stars are made of cotton and are double-appliquéd (apllied to both sides) with a zigzag machine stitch. These are configured in staggered rows of 8-7-8-8-7-8, which is typical of this star count. There is a twill cotton binding along the hoist with two white metal grommets.

The maker's name and location, "Copeland, Washington." along with the measurements "4' x 8'", are stenciled along the binding in black ink, towards the bottom, on the reverse. Established in 1862, Martin G. Copeland & Co., had no recorded contracts for military production of flags during the Civil War (1861-65), but records show significant output during the Spanish-American War in 1898. Here there were contracts for 100 garrison, 200 post, and 350 storm and recruiting flags. Before this, in 1894, there were contracts for 400 post and 25 garrison flags. Afterwards, in 1900, there were contracts for 2,500 storm and recruiting flags and in 1905, 400 naval ensigns and 600 navy jacks. The firm was reportedly still in business in Alexandria, Virginia as late as 1999, but seems to have since closed, as there are no current phone records or internet presence.

Mounting: The price includes conservation and framing.

For 20 years we have operated our own textile conservation department, with expert staff. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and have framed thousands of examples.

Condition: There is minor mothing throughout and there is extremely minor foxing and staining. There is a stitched repair to a tear in the 2nd white stripe.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 46
Earliest Date of Origin: 1907
Latest Date of Origin: 1912
State/Affiliation: District of Columbia
War Association:
Price: SOLD
 

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