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 STRIKING COLORS, LARGER THAN TYPICAL IN SCALE, WITH AN INTERESTING, REPEATING, OPEN PATTERN ALONG THE HOIST, THROUGH WHICH A STAFF COULD BE THREADED

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): Approx. 39" x 56.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 27" x 44.5"
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, yet differing by way of the individual liberties inherent in their homemade construction.

This particular example has two particular traits that make it a bit unusual. One is the size of the flag, much larger than I usually encounter and about twice the typical, overall surface area. The other is an interesting, open pattern, repeating along the hoist, that seems to provide dedicated space for a wooded staff to be slipped up through it, perhaps threaded back and forth, alternating from one space to the next (largest opening). This would distribute the weight for vertical display. It may also provide a place for two decorative cords to be threaded (smaller two openings) that would likely have been tasseled at either end. Whatever the case may be, the geometric design contributed by the open pattern is very attractive.

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 era. One-sided, typical of most needlework examples, the stripes and canton were made by crochet. The stars were constructed individually, in the same manner, and 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: Excellent
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
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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