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44 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH AN HOURGLASS FORMATION ON A BRILLIANT BLUE CANTON; REFLECTS THE ERA WHEN WYOMING WAS THE MOST RECENT STATE TO JOIN THE UNION, 1890-1896

44 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH AN HOURGLASS FORMATION ON A BRILLIANT BLUE CANTON; REFLECTS THE ERA WHEN WYOMING WAS THE MOST RECENT STATE TO JOIN THE UNION, 1890-1896

Web ID: 44j-920
Available: In Stock
Frame Size (H x L): 20" x 25.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 12" x 17"
 
Description:
44 star American national parade flag, block-printed on coarse cotton. The stars of this particular example are configured in rows of 8-7-7-7-7-8, with the top and bottom rows offset so that they resemble a broad hourglass. This lineal formation is often encountered on flags of this star count and is graphically attractive. Note how the position of the stars on their vertical axis varies from one row to the next. In the first row, the stars are canted to the left, with one point facing towards 11:00. In the next row they lean to the opposite direction, with one point facing toward 1:00, alternating back-and-forth from one row to the next throughout the formation. I have termed this configuration "dancing rows," though it may also accurately be referred to as tilting or canted rows.

Note the brilliant, royal blue color of the canton and how nicely it presents with this particular shade of scarlet red. The fact that the blue pigment continues down the hoist is an unusual feature, as well as an attractive one. This was due to the manner in which other flags were printed on the same bolt of fabric.

Wyoming was admitted as the 44th state on July 10th, 1890. Although the 44 star count would not become official until July 4th of the following year, flag makers would have begun to add a 44th star immediately, if not even beforehand, in hopeful anticipation. This became common among flag-makers during the latter 19th century, a practice that reflected both their support of westward expansion and a drive not to be out-stepped by their competitors. While the 44 star count remained so until July 3rd, 1896, it would have generally fallen out of use at the beginning of that year, when Utah gained statehood on January 4th.

Mounting: The flag was mounted and framed within our own conservation department, which is led by expert trained staff. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and have framed thousands of examples.

The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton twill, black in color, that has been washed and treated for colorfastness. The mount was placed in a shadowbox depth molding with a step-down profile molding and a finish that is a very dark brown in color, nearly black, with reddish highlights and undertones, to which a black-painted and hand-gilded Italian molding was added as a liner. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic (Plexiglas). Feel free to contact us for more details.

Condition: There is minor to modest foxing and soiling throughout, accompanied by very minor pigment loss and fading. There are tiny tack holes along the hoist, where the flag was once affixed to its original wooden staff. The flag shows its age gracefully and presents wonderfully because of it.
Video:
   
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 44
Earliest Date of Origin: 1890
Latest Date of Origin: 1896
State/Affiliation: Wyoming
War Association: 1866-1890 Indian Wars
Price: Please call (717) 676-0545 or (717) 502-1281
E-mail: info@jeffbridgman.com


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