44 STARS, WYOMING STATEHOOD, 1890-1896, ZIGZAG ROWS, GREAT COLOR AND WEAR:

44 star American National parade flag, printed on cotton, with very attractive wear and a beautifully faded, sky blue canton.  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.  Also note how the top and bottom rows of 8 are offset from one-another, which lends additional movement to the design.  This is a particularly attractive way to make a 44 star flag with offset rows of stars.

The 44th state, Wyoming, gained statehood on July 10^th, 1890.  Many flag makers would have began to add a 44^th star to their flags on or before that day and the 44 star flag would have generally seen use until the addition of Utah in 1896.

Mounting:   Then flag has been hand-sewn to a background of 100% cotton twill, black in color.  The cotton 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 flag was then placed in a black painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding.  The front is U.V. protective acrylic.

Condition:  There is very minor staining, accompanied by minor to moderate fading.  There is some fabric loss at the top and bottom of the canton, where tacks would have held the flag to a wooden staff.  Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.