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Description: |
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American national flag made of silk for the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, a major World�s Fair event that lasted from May through November of 1876 and simultaneously celebrated 100 years of American independence. The flag is woven in the manner of a Stevensgraph (a woven pictorial panel), a process new to the textile industry and no-doubt chosen to be shown off in the many displays of technological advancement that were the primary theme of the fair.
The flag has 36 stars, which is a number that does not relate to its period of use. The star counts on some small flags were sometimes chosen for convenience and graphics rather than to represent the correct number of states at the time of their making.
Woven onto the red stripes on one side of the flag is the following text:
Philadelphia International Exhibition
America and France
Union For Ever
1776 Centennial 1876
Souvenir
Woven into the white stripes on the reverse side is the following:
Philadelphia International Exhibition
Union For Ever
1776 Centennial 1876
Momento
This is the only known variety of parade flag with this manner of construction. They are quite rare. I know of about 20 to exist. The flags originally came on an unusually nice staff, varnished red, capped with a tiny brass finial. This was of very high quality when compared to almost all other parade flags of any period, most of which are affixed to a simple, unfinished wooden dowel or a crudely carven stick. But the staffs of these woven silk flags are almost always missing.
Mounting: The flag has been stitched to 100% cotton rag mat, with a window left open on the reverse so that the text can be viewed from both sides. It was then placed in a red painted frame, with a gilded liner, that dates to the same era as the flag. Spacers keep the textile away from the glass, which is u.v. protective. |
| 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: |
1876 |
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| Origin: |
US |
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| Condition: |
There are no serious condition issues. |
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| Measurements: |
Frame: 8" x 10" Flag: 2.75" x 4.75" |
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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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