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44 UPSIDE-DOWN STARS IN ZIGZAG ROWS, UNUSUALLY SMALL SIZE, WYOMING STATEHOOD, 1890-1896
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Description: |
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| 44 star American national flag, in an unusually small size for the period, with stars that are somewhat pointy in shape and are consistently upside-down in their vertical alignment. No one knows if this unusual positioning had any purpose. Since there were no regulations concerning either star configuration or position until 1912, it is entirely possible that the designer of the flag did not feel that any star position was �right-side-up�. The maker may have simply liked the look of the stars with two-arms-up instead of one. In any event, this was not the norm and adds to its visual appeal.
Note also note how the stars are arranged with rows of 8 at the top and bottom that sandwich 4 zigzagging rows of 7 stars in-between. This is an attractive way to make a 44 star flag with offset rows of stars and the more pronounced the spacing is, the more visually appealing the flag becomes. In that regard this is a particularly nice example.
At just a hair under four by six feet, the size of the flag might seem very large by today�s standards, but in reality it is unusually small for the 19th century. Until the 1920�s or after, American national flags with sewn construction, like this one (as opposed to printed parade flags or hand-wavers), were typically large in order to serve their purpose as signals. Sewn flags generally measured between eight and twenty feet long on the fly; sometimes even larger. Smaller flag are more desirable among collectors because they are far easier to frame and display in an indoor setting.
The canton and stripes of the flag are made of wool bunting that has been pieced with machine stitching. The cotton stars are double-appliqu�d (sewn to both sides of the canton) with a zigzag, machine stitch. There is a heavy canvas header with 4 brass grommets for hoisting. The grommets have great patina from age, which lends nicely to the overall appearance of the flag.
The 44th state, Wyoming, joined the Union on July 10th, 1890. The 44 star flag was generally used from that year until 1896.
Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% silk organza on every seam for support. The flag was then stitched to a background of 100% cotton, black in color. The background fabric was washed to remove 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 black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The front is u.v. protective acrylic. |
| Inventory Number: |
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Dealer |
Jeff R. Bridgman American Antiques, llc |
| Contact |
Jeff Bridgman |
Phone: (717) 502-1281 |
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| Period: |
19th Century (1801-1900) |
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| Date: |
1890-1896 |
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| Origin: |
US |
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| Condition: |
There is very minor mothing, but there are no serious condition issues. I would rate this 9.5 on a scale of 1-10 when compared to other wool flags of the period |
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| Measurements: |
frame: 47.75" x 70" flag: 36.75" x 59.5" |
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| Inventory |
Other Inventory by this Dealer |
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| Web-site: |
http://www.jeffbridgman.com |
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| Price: |
SOLD |
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| E-mail: |
Inquire
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