"The Flag of Our Own Time" Equitable Life Assurance Company Calendar Set of Six, 1903

Presented is a 1903 calendar set, entitled “A Bit of American History – The Flag of Our Own Time.” This visually compelling and historically resonant calendar was issued by the Equitable Life Assurance Company and printed in New York in 1902 by The Gray Lithograph Company. The set comprises six color lithograph sheets, each displaying two months, and features artwork by Maud Stumm. Each sheet is decorated with an illustration of a woman holding an American flag. The flags vary from contemporary flags to historical designs.

The calendrical progression is paired with a chronological exploration of American vexillological history. The months of January and February are illustrated with “The Flag of our Own Time (1903)”, a 45-star flag representing the contemporary national flag following the admission of Utah. March and April depict “Our First National Flag (June 14, 1777)”, a 13-star flag, with the stars arranged in a circle on the canton. The months of May and June introduce “Our Pine Tree Flag of the Navy (1776),” a design commissioned under the authority of George Washington in 1775 for the fledgling American naval forces, to identify the first six American cruiser ships. This flag has a white field, a green pine tree, and the phrase “An Appeal to Heaven” along the top. 

The summer months of July and August feature “Our First Union Flag (Jan 2nd, 1776).” Often referred to as the “Grand Union Flag,” this American colonial banner displayed the British Union Flag of 1606 in the canton, with a field of seven red and six white alternating stripes, representing the 13 colonies. The months of September and October are illustrated with “Our Liberty Flag (September 1775).” Created by Colonel William Moultrie, this flag had a blue field, with a white crescent and the word "Liberty."  It was first raised at Fort Johnson in Charleston harbor in September 1775, and famously flew during the defence of Sullivan's Island against the British in 1776. The series concludes with months of November and December, illustrated with “Our Rattlesnake Flag (1775).” Also known as the “Gadsden Flag,” it was designed by Christopher Gadsden in 1775 during the American Revolution. The flag features a yellow field with a coiled green rattlesnake and the motto "Don't Tread on Me." 

This calendar is a sophisticated example of early twentieth century American commercial printmaking, merging historical education with patriotic sentiment. As a complete set, its survival in full is notable, as ephemeral materials of this nature were seldom preserved. 

Maud Stumm (1866-1935) was an American artist and illustrator of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for her work in both fine art and commercial design. She studied at the Art Students League of New York and furthered her training in Paris, where she was associated with the Académie Julian, an important center for the instruction of women artists. Stumm exhibited at major institutions including the Paris Salon and the National Academy of Design, and she was also active as a war correspondent and artist during the First World War. 

CONDITION: 

Very good+ condition. A complete set of six color lithograph calendar sheets, printed with two months per sheet. Hole punched at top center as issued; few spots of soiling, light dampstain to corner of one sheet. Each sheet measures 12 ¾ x 9 7/8”. 

Framed dimensions: 37 1/2" H x 43" W x 1 1/4" D.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.