1876 Circa World's Fair Centennial Souvenir Banner

 

 1876 Circa World’s Fair Centennial International Souvenir Banner

Offered is a distinctive banner designed by W.A. Duff of Philadelphia who was awarded the pattern design on December 28, 1875. The printed banners produced were sold as souvenirs at the 1876 World’s Fair in Philadelphia for the centennial celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The banner prominently displays a 39 Star American flag in the center surrounded by a border of 38 small-scale international nation’s flags representing countries that were invited to participate in the World’s Fair celebration. This flag was designed and printed at a time when the US had only 37 states; Colorado was admitted to the union August 1876 as the 38th state, followed by the simultaneous additions of North Dakota 39th state and South Dakota 40th state on November 2, 1889.

DESCRIPTION:
Flag Size: 17 ¼” x 25”
Frame Size: 20”x 28”

Antique cotton banner; printed on one side- 39 Star American flag is showcased as the main focal point in the center of the banner bordered by 38 small-scale international flags with their corresponding countries names printed below them, note: the Sandwich Islands were later to become the U.S. Hawaiian Islands; printed vertically on the left side of the banner reads INTERNATIONAL PATENTED DEC 28, 1875.

CONDITION:
Overall good condition; colors have a soft aged appearance, some staining throughout and approximately 10 pin-size holes in a few scattered areas in the border; minor material separation on CHINA, IRELAND, GERMANY and DENMARK flags; selvedge edges along left vertical side and along the fly, fraying horizontal along the top and bottom of the banner. The flag is pressure mounted on pre-washed 100% cotton fabric on top of cotton batting covering an acid-free backing; attractive wood frame is painted black with gold highlights

Email: jtfrancis.com@gmail.com

Item: 13-718-133