38 Star Flag In A Medallion Configuration
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38 Star Flag In A Medallion Configuration
About the Item
38 star American national flag in a large size with some unusual and attractive features. The stars are arranged in a medallion pattern that consists of two concentric wreaths of stars, surrounding a larger center star, with triangular groups of three stars flanking in each corner. A traditional medallion design has one, two, or three wreaths, with a star in the center and just one star in each corner. Variations on this design with multiple stars in each corner are much more rare and usually more visually interesting. That is the case with this example, where the entire device looks a bit like a giant gear, or maybe the footprint of a large round building with four pointed towers. Whatever the case may be to any given observer, it's safe to say that it's both beautiful and distinctly different from the norm, which makes it both desirable and academically intriguing. One theory on the use of triangles of three stars in a centennial era flag is that the illustration might represent the tri-corner hats so popular with patriots during the Revolutionary War. This could as easily be fiction as fact, but since there was no official star pattern for the flag in early America, many examples exist where liberties appear to have been taken by the makers of flags to include various types of patriotic and political symbolism.
The canton of the flag and the white stripes are made of wool bunting, while the red stripes are made of fine, merino wool. The stars are made of cotton and double-appliquéd, meaning that they are applied to both sides of the canton. All of the piecework and appliqué work was done with a treadle machine. There is a sailcloth canvas binding along the hoist, along which are 13 brass rings, through which a rope would have been threaded for hoisting. The binding was applied with a treadle machine and the rings were hand-sewn with a whip stitch.
Note how the color of the blue canton has faded to a dusty blue-green. This is due to the use of a fugitive dye, more so than to light exposure and the passage of time. The result is a flag with an interesting color and patina that shows its age in what some call a very desirable fashion.
The 38th state, Colorado, joined the Union 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 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 (to reference the original 13 colonies) are the two star counts most often seen during the centennial events.
The 38 star flag was generally used until 1889, when four new states joined the Union. Decorative star patterns, however, like this one, tend to be seen on 38 star flags that were made specifically for 1876 events, such as the Centennial International Exposition in Philadelphia, a six-month long, World’s Fair event, held in conjunction with the nation’s anniversary.
Mounting: The flag has not yet been mounted. We have a full time conservation staff, so feel free to inquire about mounting and framing options.
Condition: There are minor tears and losses throughout, accompanied by very minor foxing and staining. Use of a fugitive dye in the canton has caused it to fade to a dusty blue-green. This is not exactly a bad trait among collectors. I have clients that actually prefer flags with cantons in this shade, which tend to look terrific on a black mount. many of my clients prefer flags that show their age and history of use.
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1876-1889
- Condition:See Item Description.
- Seller Location:York County, PA
- Reference Number:Seller: 38j-9151stDibs: U1109308497462
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