38-Star Medallion Pattern Flag, Celebrating Colorado Statehood

This is a striking printed 38-star American flag. The 38-star flag celebrated the addition of Colorado to the Union. This flag features a triple medallion star pattern, with three rings of stars, a central star, and two outliers at the top left and bottom left of the canton. The flag is printed on cotton and dates to circa 1876-1890.

In lead up to the nation’s Centennial, flag makers looked to the past for designs to produce as part of the country’s celebration. The medallion pattern became popular with Americans who wanted some variation from “row” patterns that prevailed on the previous 36 and 37 star flags. This version features a rare triple medallion, with stars that are all the same size.

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:

This flag is in good condition, especially considering age. Some fading to the original colors, creasing, as well as staining and toning noticeable in bottom third of field. Fading to blue canton at left. Small holes across top of field. Flag has a few hand sewn repairs and stains. Presented in an archival frame with UV acrylic.

Framed dimensions: 35" H x 43" W x 1 1/2" D.