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  45 STARS IN A "NOTCHED" DESIGN, LEAVING SPACE OPEN FOR THE FUTURE ADDITION OF THREE MORE WESTERN TERRITORIES, UTAH STATEHOOD, 1896-1908

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 10.25" x 7.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 2" x 3" on 6.25" staff
Description....:
45 star American parade flag, printed on coarse, glazed cotton and affixed to its original wooden staff. The stars are arranged in a notched pattern, whereby three spaces are left open along the hoist end for the addition of three Western Territories that were yet to be added. By this period it was well known that Oklahoma, Arizona, and New Mexico would eventually gain statehood and some flag-makers were creatively accommodating for this fact. At the same time they were most certainly backing westward expansion, with the hopes that they would soon have a reason to produce new flags.

Utah became the 45th state in 1896. It had been attempting to gain statehood for many years, but remained a territory, primarily due to the fact that the Mormon Church and Utah authorities continued to be openly tolerant of polygamy. In 1890, Mormon Church President Wilford Woodruff published a manifesto that denounced the contract of “any marriages forbidden by the law of the land”. This gave way to Utah’s 1896 acceptance. The 45 star flag was generally used from that year until 1907, when Oklahoma joined the Union. Due to the Spanish-American War (1898) and Teddy Roosevelt’s famous world tour of the “White Fleet” (launched in 1907), this was an extremely patriotic period.

Mounting: The solid walnut molding dates to the period between 1870 and the 1890's, has a single, gold line of fluting down the center, framed by an ebonized outer edge and inner lip. The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% hemp fabric. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: There is misprinting in the stars and there is very minor foxing.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 45
Earliest Date of Origin: 1896
Latest Date of Origin: 1907
State/Affiliation: Utah
War Association: 1898 Spanish American War
Price: SOLD
 

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