Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  38 STARS, COLORADO STATEHOOD, 1876-1889, WITH SCATTERED STAR POSITIONING AND BRILLIANT SUNFIRE RED STRIPES

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 22.25" x 28.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 12" x 17.75"
Description....:
38 STARS, COLORADO STATEHOOD, 1876-1889, WITH SCATTERED STAR POSITIONING AND BRILLIANT SUNFIRE RED STRIPES:

38 star American national parade flag, printed on coarse, glazed cotton. The stars are arranged in lineal rows of 7-6-6-6-6-7 and are justified to the fly-end of the canton. Note how the stars point in various directions on their vertical axis, which adds a nice element of folk quality to the overall design. Also note how the striking color of the sunfire red stripes contributes to a vibrant presentation. Many cotton parade flags produced between 1850 and the 38 star period have shades of red that lean strongly toward this color.

Colorado became the 38th state on August 1st, 1876. This was the year of our nation’s centennial of independence from Great Britain. Although 37 was the official star count for the American flag in 1876, flag-making was a competitive venture, and no one wanted to be making 37 star flags when others were making 38’s. It is for this reason that 38 and 13 stars (to represent the original 13 colonies) are the two star counts most often seen at the Centennial International Exposition, the six-month long, World’s Fair event, held in honor of the anniversary, in Philadelphia. Some flag-makers were actually producing 39 star flags, in hopeful anticipation of the addition of another Western Territory. The 38 star flag became official on July 4th, 1877 and was generally used until the addition of the Dakotas in 1889.

Mounting: The solid walnut molding has ebonized decoration, retains its original gilded liner, and dates to the period between 1860 and 1880. The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton, black in color, that has been washed to reduce 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. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: There is moderate fading of the blue canton and there is some pigment loss at the fly end of the last three red stripes. There is minor to moderate soiling, particularly located toward the fly end. There is a small oblong hole near the fly end of the second white stripe and a minor tear at the end with associated fabric loss. There are tiny holes along the hoist end where the flag was affixed to its original wooden staff. many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 38
Earliest Date of Origin: 1876
Latest Date of Origin: 1889
State/Affiliation: Colorado
War Association: 1866-1890 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

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