38-Star American Flag, with Double-Applique Hand-Sewn Stars, Celebrating Colorado Statehood, Circa 1876
This is an original 38-star American parade flag, celebrating Colorado statehood and the 100th anniversary of our nation's independence. A wonderful product of our nation's early history, this flag is an authentic antique, dating to 1876-1890.
This exceptionally large flag was constructed entirely of cotton. The canton has 38 hand-cut and hand-sewn double-appliqued white stars, on a vibrant blue field. The star pattern is orderly, with 5 vertical rows of 8/7/8/7/8 stars. The flag’s design is completed by 13 horizontal red and white alternating stripes and white headband, both machine-sewn.
The Centennial celebration took place in Philadelphia in 1876 and all manner of flags were made for the official Centennial International Exposition, which was a World’s Fair event of massive scale. Flags were not only made for the fair, of course, but were also produced for general celebrations of this important anniversary nationwide. Flag designs from this celebratory period are a beautiful assortment of 38 stars in decorative medallion, varied row, and flower star-patterns.
The 38th star was added for the admission of Colorado, which occurred on August 1, 1876. Per the Third 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 and the 38 star flag became the official United States flag on July 4th, 1877. The 38 star flag flew for thirteen years, through 1890. Five presidents served under this flag: Rutherford B. Hayes (1877-1881), James A. Garfield (1881), Chester A. Arthur (1881-1885), Grover Cleveland (1885-1889), and Benjamin Harrison (1889-1893).
CONDITION:
Near fine condition. Cotton flag. Blue canton with 38 hand-cut and hand-sewn double-appliqued stars. Stars arranged in an orderly 8-7 pattern of five rows. 13 red and white alternating machine-sewn stripes. White machine-sewn headband. A vibrant example retaining strong color, with light toning to white. Scattered light stains throughout. Several very small holes throughout, none affecting stability of the flag. Flag Dimensions: 48" x 72".
Flag is archivally mounted and framed in a custom-built wooden frame with acid-free linen mats and UV glass.
Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.
Pickup available at Colorado
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38-Star American Flag, with Double-Applique Hand-Sewn Stars, Celebrating Colorado Statehood, Circa 1876
Colorado
1 Lake Avenue
Colorado Springs CO 80906
United States
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Yes, all of our Antiques are certified authentic. Every antique comes with a signed Letter of Authenticity that details the item’s history, its current condition including any conservation, binding, or framing work, and the item’s provenance. The Letters of Authenticity are priced valuations by our authentication specialists, who assure that items are original and unconditionally guaranteed as genuine for life.
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We acquire from a variety of trusted sources all over the world, but mostly through auctions and private collections within the United States. All provenance information will be listed on the Letter of
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