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American Suffrage Movement 'Votes for Women" Pennant, circa 1912-1920

Price Upon Request
Price Upon Request
Price Upon Request
Price Upon Request
Price Upon Request
Price Upon Request
Price Upon Request
Price Upon Request
Price Upon Request
Price Upon Request
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About the Item

AMERICAN SUFFRAGE MOVEMENT PENNANT WITH "VOTES FOR WOMEN" TEXT, IN A LARGE SIZE AND WITH ATTRACTIVE PATINA FROM AGE AND OBVIOUS USE, circa 1912-1920 American Suffrage movement pennant, with a standard, triangular taper. Made of yellow felt, with a narrow, black felt binding along the hoist, the simple message: "Votes for Women" is printed in black pigment, in Roman letters of descending scale. Note the whimsically scrolling on the “S,” complimented by the outstretched right leg of the “R.” Though not extraordinarily unusual in its basic form, I have not before encountered this precise style. Golden yellow was the customary color of the suffrage movement in America, coupled with a variety of subordinate colors, primarily black on felt textiles. Purple and green were the traditional colors of the movement in England, though these sometimes appear in the States. American Suffrage movement pennant, with a standard, triangular taper. Made of yellow felt, with a narrow, black felt binding along the hoist, the simple message: "Votes for Women" is printed in black pigment, in Roman letters of descending scale, with a whimsically scrolling “S” and a similarly embellished “R.” Though not extraordinarily unusual in its basic form, I have not before encountered this precise style. Golden yellow was the customary color of the suffrage movement in America, a tradition that began with the first actual campaign to give women the right to vote. This took place in 1867 in Kansas, the first state to hold a referendum on the issue. It was here that suffragists Susan B. Anthony and Carrie Stanton first focused their efforts, wearing sunflowers—the state flower—as a show of support, adorned with yellow ribbons. As great emblem for both the rising sun and growth, use of the color spread to other states and was adopted on nearly countless objects of the campaign for years to come. In England, green, white, and violet were the colors of the movement, their names reflecting the acronym GWV or “Give Women the Vote.” Various groups used these colors in the States, as well, sometimes substituting golden yellow for green or violet, and sometimes with all of the above colors represented. Mounting: For 25 years we have maintained our own textile conservation department, led by a master’s degree level graduate from one of the nation’s top programs. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and related textiles and have preserved thousands of examples. The pennant has been hand-stitched to 100% hemp fabric, ivory in color, with a twill weave. The mount was then placed in a concave molding with a very dark brown finish, almost black, with reddish undertones and highlights, to which a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding was added as a cap. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic (Plexiglas). Condition: There is moderate soiling, most significant along the hoist, and there are some tiny, dark stains, and minor misprinting. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use. The pennant presents beautifully and the great scarcity of suffrage textiles well-warrants its state of preservation.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 19.75 in (50.17 cm)Width: 38.5 in (97.79 cm)Depth: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1912-1919
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. See Item Description.
  • Seller Location:
    York County, PA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: ws-1221stDibs: LU849743426822

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