Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  48 STARS ON A CROCHETED AMERICAN FLAG, PROBABLY MADE IN THE PATRIOTISM OF WWII (U.S. INVOLVEMENT 1941-1945), A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE, WITH LARGE, WELL-EXECUTED STARS AND STRIKING COLORS

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 29.25" x 43.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 18" x 32.25"
Description....:
Beginning around the turn of the century, it became popular to make American flags from various forms of needlework, primarily by tatting and crochet. A beautiful example, in a great size, this one is of a known style, likely made from a kit, purchased from a dry goods store or perhaps from a popular magazine of the early 20th century. With 48 stars, embroidered then appliqued, others exist, sharing the same basic materials and of a very similar scale, yet differing by way of the individual liberties inherent in their homemade construction.

The stars employed here are the most distinctly different trait. With somewhat bulging profiles, they are significantly larger than usual, better executed, and more attractive than practically any other flag of this type that I have encountered. For some reason, the stars work well with the flag’s defined, rectangular proportions, and while the word “regimented” is not one that I would usually gravitate to, in terms of what I generally like about early American examples, there is something about the overall presentation here that simply works from a graphics standpoint.

Flags of this sort were made sometime between WWI (U.S. involvement 1917-18) and WWII (U.S. involvement 1941-45). Though I cannot say so definitively, I do feel quite strongly that this particular example was probably made during the latter. One-sided, typical of most needlework examples, the stars, stripes, and canton were made by crochet. The stars were individually made in the same manner, then appliquéd to the canton.

The 48 star flag became official in 1912 following the addition of New Mexico and Arizona. It remained so throughout WWI, WWII, and the Korean War (1950-53), until Alaska gained statehood in 1959 and the 49th star was added.

Mounting: The flag 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 have framed thousands of examples.

The background is 100% cotton twill, black in color, that has been washed and treated for colorfastness. The black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed molding is Italian. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic (Plexiglas). Feel free to contact us for more details.

Condition: There is a modest stain in the 5th white stripe, near the fly end. The overall condition is amazing and the flag presents beautifully.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 48
Earliest Date of Origin: 1941
Latest Date of Origin: 1945
State/Affiliation: Arizona
War Association: WW 2
Price: SOLD
 

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