38 Star Antique American Flag

 

38 Star Antique American Flag
Colorado Statehood, ca. 1876-1890

Flag size:     (HxL) 26”x42” 
Frame size: (HxL) 32”x48”

Offering this historical eye-catching 38 Star American National Parade Flag ca. 1876-1890; made in cotton gauze, exhibits 38 large folksy 5 pointed stars printed in a uniform set of rows of 7-6-6-6-6-7 configured in a slight “hourglass” pattern. The flag is uncommonly large for a parade flag and would have been quite a presence at that time.

Colorado was admitted to the Union on August 1, 1876, as per the Flag Act of 1818 signed by President James Monroe that stars would be officially added on July 4th following a states addition to the Union, the 38 Star flag became official on July 4th, 1877.

Although the official star count was 37 in 1876, flag makers made 38 Star flags prior to it becoming official and so it was already being widely used to celebrate America’s Centennial birthday in 1876.

The 38 Star flag would remain the official star count until 1890 with five Presidents to serve under this flag including; Rutherford B. Hayes (1877-1881), James Garfield (1881), Chester A Arthur (1881-1885), Grover Cleveland (1885-1889), and Benjamin Harrison (1889-1893).

Condition: very good condition for it’s age, colors are soft and aged, some areas of staining as pictured, material loss on the left side vertical where the staff was attached, slight separation top and bottom left side on the canton, overall colors are soft and aged; contemporary/transitional metallic color frame; original staff is not framed but is included in the sale

Email: jtfrancis.com@gmail.com

Item: 13-718-133