Frame Size (H x L): 26.5” x 26.5”
Bandanna Size (H x L): 18” x 18”

Offered is a very rare thirty-eight star flag bandanna.  This flag includes an overprint, which is printing on the face of the flag, either on its canton or its stripes.  Overprinted flags are typically made of either cotton or paper, and typically date to between 1860 and the early 1900s.  Overprints cover a variety of topics, including political candidates, political organizations, commercial advertisements, and historic events, just to name a few examples.  In the case of this flag, the overprint states (in part) the following:

THE SOLDIER’S HANDKERHIEF … A SOUVENIR OF THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR | COMMEMORATING THE AVENGEMENT OF THE MAINE AND THE LIBERATION OF CUBA | THE FLAG THAT WILL MAKE CUBA FREE

Interesting, this particular overprint then transitions into sheet music, both for voice and piano.  It was copyrighted in 1908 by Edward W. Robinson, who lists his address as 878 Willis Avenue, New York City.  The regular sheet music could be purchased for 50 cents.   

The star pattern on the flag is a medallion pattern, one of the most desirable and beautiful star arrangements every made.  Medallion pattern flags date to at least as early as the twenty-six star flag, and at least as late as the forty-eight star flag.  The majority of medallion pattern flags, however, date to between 1861 and 1876.  During this period, many flag makers would include a center star, surround it with one or more wreaths of stars, and then surround the wreaths with flanking stars (i.e., corner stars).  Beginning in the 1890s, the beautiful medallion patterns became less common, and linear arrangements became the norm.  Why this occurred is unclear, as flag makers had the freedom to place the stars however they liked until 1912, when President Taft issued Executive Order 1556 establishing the arrangement of the stars into rectilinear rows.     

The thirty-eight star flag represents the inclusion of Colorado to the Union.  Colorado was admitted on August 1st, 1876 and this flag became official on July 4th, 1877.  Presidents Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Cleveland, and Harrison all served under this flag.  Colorado became known as the “Centennial State,” a result of becoming official just twenty-eight days after the centennial.  The official star count for US flags in 1876 was the thirty-seven star flag.  However, it was common for flag makers to produce anticipatory flags in advance of their official date, making the thirty-eight star flag—and for historical reasons, the thirteen star flag—the most common flags flown during the centennial celebrations of 1876.       

The thirty-eight star flag was official until July 4th, 1890, the time at which the forty-three star flag became official and began to represent the inclusion of North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Washington, and Idaho to the Union.

Conservation Process: This bandanna was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board.  To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the bandanna, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash.  The bandanna is positioned behind Conservation Clear Acrylic (standard) or behind Optium Museum Acrylic (per request).

Frame: This offering is in our Medium Gold with Flat Profile Frame.  However, it can be reframed and would look great using any one of our Medium Frames, which are shown in the final image.  The pricing associated with the different framing options may vary.  Reframing of an offering may delay shipment by up to two weeks.     

Condition Report: Overall, this bandanna is in excellent condition, but there are a few stains, particularly above the flag, as shown in the photos.

Collectability Level: The Great – Perfect for Rising Collectors  
Date of Origin: 1898  
Number of Stars: 38   
Associated War: The Spanish-American War (1898) 
Associated State: Colorado