Frame Size (H x L): 22” x 31”
Flag Size (H x L): 12” x 21”  

Offered is a forty-five star parade flag printed on glazed cotton.  Parade flags are small scale flags that were meant to be used for a short time, typically at patriotic events and political rallies.  Some parade flags include some kind of printing, such as this one, which includes Grand Army of the Republic (“GAR”) overprint.  The GAR was a fraternal organization for the veterans of the Union Army, Union Navy, and Marines who served in the Civil War.  GAR members provided support to one another and also remembered those who had fallen in battle.  It was founded in 1866, peaked in 1890 with almost 500,000 members, and dissolved in 1956 when its last member died.

The stars of this flag are arranged in an 8-7-8-7-7-8 pattern.  Each row of stars is offset relative to the adjacent rows.  For example, the first and third rows are offset to the hoist end of the canton, while the last row is offset to the fly end of the canton.  The remaining rows are relatively centered in the canton.  This flag is unusually long in length, as it was not until 1912 that the proportions of the flags were officially specified.  The combination of the GAR overprint, the staggered star pattern, and the proportions of this flag make for an interesting, desirable mantel piece.    

The forty-five star flag represents the inclusion of Utah to the Union.  Utah was admitted on January 4th, 1896, and this flag became official on July 4th, 1896.  Presidents Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, and Teddy Roosevelt served under this flag, and the Spanish-American War was fought under it. 

In 1848 Utah became a territory of the United States, and in 1849 its constitution was established as the Mormon State of Deseret.  The next year, the State of Deseret applied to become a state, but Congress rejected the application and changed its name to the Utah Territory, which included the entirety of Nevada and portions of Colorado and Wyoming (as a section of the Missouri Compromise).  Despite its continued efforts to gain statehood, it remained a territory, partially as a result of the Mormon Church and Utah authorities being openly tolerant of polygamy.  In 1890 Utah outlawed the practice, and in 1896 Utah finally became the forty-fifth state.  The forty-five star flag was official for 12 years up until July 4th, 1908, when the forty-six star flag became official and began to represent the inclusion of Oklahoma in the Union. 

Conservation Process: This flag 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 flag, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash.  The flag is positioned behind Conservation Clear Acrylic (standard) or behind Optium Museum Acrylic (per request).

Frame: This offering is in our Large Gold Frame.  However, it can be reframed and would look great using any one of our Large 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: This flag has some very minor staining and some fading.  There is some fraying along the hoist end of the flag.  Many collectors prefer flags that show their use and age.

Collectability Level: The Good – Perfect for Beginning Collectors and Gifts  
Date of Origin: 1896-1907  
Number of Stars: 45
Associated War: Spanish-American War (1898)  
Associated State: Utah