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Antique American Centennial Flag w/ 10-Pointed Stars that Spell “1776 – 1876”
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ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH 10-POINTED STARS THAT SPELL “1776 – 1876”, MADE FOR THE 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE, ONE OF THE MOST GRAPHIC OF ALL EARLY EXAMPLES:
Many fantastic star patterns were made in the patriotism that accompanied the centennial of American independence in 1876, among which this is one of the best of all examples. Furthermore, flags with stars that spell out numeric or alphabetical characters are among the rarest of all configurations in the world of antique American flags, across which just three other styles are presently known to exist.
In the canton of this flag, 38 stars are arranged to form the date “1776”. The star count of 38 reflects Colorado’s pending statehood in that year. 43 additional stars were then used to form “1876,” directly below. This may reflect the supposition that 5 more states would soon join the Union; and though other flags in this period leave blank space open, suggesting similar assumptions, it seems more likely, in this instance, that it simply took 5 more stars to make a “8” than it did to make a “7.”
Note how the stars have 10 points, 5 of which are narrow and fall between the larger arms. This results in a shape that I have always felt to be reminiscent of depictions of the Star of Bethlehem. Whatever the case may be with regard to this observation, their format transmits the sparkling, firework-like qualities of celebration.
Colorado became the 38th state on August 1st, 1876. This was the year of our nation’s 100-year anniversary of independence. Per the Flag Act of 1818, stars were not officially added until the 4th of July following a state's addition. For this reason, 37 was the official star count for the American flag in 1876. Flag-making was a competitive venture, however, and few flag-makers would have been continuing to produce 37 star flags when their competitors were making 38’s. It is for this reason that 38 and 13 stars (to represent the original 13 colonies) are more often seen at the Centennial International Exposition, the six-month long World’s Fair held in Philadelphia in honor of the event. Some flag-makers would have been adding a star for the 38th state even before it entered the Union, in the early part of 1876 or even prior. In fact, many makers of parade flags were actually producing 39 star flags, in hopeful anticipation of the addition of two more Western Territories instead of one. But the 39th state would not join the Union for another 13 years, when the Dakota Territory entered as two states (numbers 39 and 40) on the same day, on November 2nd, 1889.
These particular flags with the 1776-1876 formation would certainly have been displayed at the Centennial International Exposition, the six-month long World’s Fair, held in Philadelphia, that served as the nucleus of the national celebration. More likely than not, they were made specifically for that event. They bear the unusual trait of being printed on a thin fabric made from blended wool and cotton. Most parade flags of this era were printed on 100% cotton or silk, which were impractical for extended exposure to the elements, yet sufficient for most parades, political rallies, and reunions, which typically lasted only a day or two. The reason for the inclusion of wool was that it sheds water, making it an obvious choice for flags that were to be used outdoors for an extended period. The fact that the exposition required flags that could withstand six months of use, caused some makers to consider wool or blended wool fabrics for small-scale, decorative flags.
This particular example is constructed of three lengths of fabric that were pieced and joined with treadle stitching. There is a narrow, treadle-sewn binding along the hoist, made of twill weave cotton tape, along which three sets of plain weave cotton ties were affixed with hand-stitching. The latter are period to the flag’s use and add a particularly wonderful, graphic element to the flag’s presentation. In fact, when combined with the flag’s spectacular colors and overall condition, these result in the most attractive example of the 1776-1876 variety that I have ever seen.
Also important to the flag’s desirability among collectors is its wonderful scale, large enough to make a dramatic statement, yet small enough to manageably display in a host of different indoor settings.
All-in-all, one of the most beautiful and interesting antique American flags of any period.
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.
Condition: There are a few minor to modest holes and/or weak areas with partial loss throughout. Period fabric of the same wool & cotton blend and similar coloration was placed behind some of these for masking purposes. There is a modest area of partial loss in the canton, below and to the right of the numeral “7.” There is extremely minor soiling in limited areas. The colors are excellent and the flag presents beautifully, ranking approx. 8-out-of-10 with respect to known examples.
- Dimensions:Height: 41 in (104.14 cm)Width: 58 in (147.32 cm)Depth: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1876
- Condition:Minor losses. See item description.
- Seller Location:York County, PA
- Reference Number:Seller: 38j-11791stDibs: LU849745615562
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