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39 Star Antique American Parade Flag with Stars in Two Sizes, Ca 1876

$3,650
£2,790.62
€3,214.23
CA$5,114.77
A$5,710.16
CHF 2,992.04
MX$69,897.95
NOK 37,998.90
SEK 35,828.14
DKK 23,988.13
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About the Item

39 STARS IN TWO SIZES, ALTERNATING FROM ONE COLUMN TO THE NEXT, ON AN ANTIQUE AMERICAN PARADE FLAG WITH AN UNUSUALLY ELONGATED PROFILE, DATING TO THE 1876 CENTENNIAL, NEVER AN OFFICIAL STAR COUNT, REFLECTS THE ANTICIPATED ARRIVAL OF COLORADO AND THE DAKOTA 39 star American parade flag, printed on cotton bunting. This is one of only three styles known that use stars in two different sizes to make columns of equal height, all of which occur in the 39 star count and were probably produced by the same maker. Of equal interest is the exaggerated length of this particular design, which adds considerable impact to its unique graphics. 39 star flags were made at two different times in the late 19th century. The first were made in 1876 in anticipation of the addition of two new states. Only one of these was added (Colorado on August 1st), which brought the star count to 38. This meant that the 39 star flags made in this year were inaccurate. Thirteen years later, 39 star flags were made again with the anticipation of the addition of the Dakota Territory. On November 2nd of 1889, the Dakotas came in as two different states (North & South), which forever rendered 39 star flags both obsolete and unofficial. In some cases, flag makers may have saved the 1876 print designs and used them again in 1889. It is also possible that some 39 star flags may have remained in the stock rooms of flag-makers and dry goods stores for more than a decade, to be brought out again when the actual addition of the 39th state once again loomed on the horizon. Based upon the fact that other examples with columns of stars in 2 sizes are known to have been incorporated into quilts made to celebrate our nation's 1876 centennial of independence, logic suggests that this flag is likewise of the earlier variety. In any event, the existence of 39 star flags is a classic display of both American capitalism and expansionist ideals for the growth of our nation. Mounting: For 25 years we have maintained a specialized department for this purpose. Our lead conservator holds a master's degree in textile conservation from one of the nation’s top university programs. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and related textiles and have preserved thousands of examples. The black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed molding is Italian. The background is 100% cotton twill, black in color. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass. Feel free to contact us for more details. Condition: Exceptional for the period. There is extremely minor soiling in very limited areas.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 22.25 in (56.52 cm)Width: 34.75 in (88.27 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1876
  • Condition:
    See Item Description.
  • Seller Location:
    York County, PA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 39j-8601stDibs: LU849743316162

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