Price: Call 618-553-2291, or email info@bonsellamericana.com 
Frame Size (H x L): 17” x 20”
Flag Size (H x L): 8.5” x 11.5”

Offered is a thirty-eight star parade flag.  It is printed on silk, and a gold fringe is handsewn thereto.  its stars are arranged in a "Great Star" pattern—a configuration that is as rare as it is interesting.  This particular Great Star includes twenty-five stars in its outline, eight stars inside of the outline, one star surrounding the outline, and four corner flanking stars.  The flanking stars are canted and larger than the others.   

US Naval Captain Samuel Reid is credited with designing the Great Star pattern in 1818.  Captain Reid was an officer in the US Navy and commanded the privateer General Armstrong during the War of 1812.  Andrew Jackson credited Captain Reid's heroism in delaying the British Squadron in the Battle of Fayal, and aiding in General Jackson's defense of New Orleans.  Captain Reid and his crew were greeted as heroes.

The Second Flag Act, passed in 1794, stated that the flag would have fifteen stars and fifteen stripes, in response to Vermont and Kentucky being added to the Union.  Knowing that this approach would not be sustainable, with Captain Reid's help, Congress passed the Flag Act of 1818, specifying that the flag should only have thirteen stripes, but should have a star for each state admitted to the Union.  It further specified that the addition of each star should be on the Fourth of July following its respective state's admission. 

Captain Reid played a significant role in the Flag Act of 1818.  He recommended a basic design of thirteen horizontal alternating stripes in honor of the thirteen colonies and a star in honor of each state.  He further recommended several potential star patterns, including twenty stars in the shape of a larger star for general use.  Reid suggested this pattern to make the flag consistent and easily identifiable, particularly at long distances and at sea.  His star pattern recommendation was not ultimately included in the Act, nor was any star pattern, but Captain Reid is universally credited with designing the Great Star pattern.  Its use peaked in the 1840s, but it was also used during the Civil War and occasionally during Centennial Celebrations.  Its last known commercial use was on a thirty-eight star flag.  

Perhaps the most interesting feature of this flag is its profile, in that it includes a V-shaped swallowtail.  Its swallowtail was inspired by those of U.S. cavalry guidons (i.e., small flags used by cavalry units to mark the flanks).  Of the antique flags that enter the market, perhaps one-in-a-thousand include a swallowtail shape at the fly end, making this flag particularly unique, desirable, and visually dramatic.

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 nation’s centennial in 1876 inspired patriotism across the county and reunited its citizens.  Cities of all sizes hosted parades and celebrations, and buildings and homes were canvased in red, white, and blue with flags being the primary symbol of national pride.  The most notable celebration was the Centennial International Exposition in Philadelphia.  In just six months, the Exhibition hosted nearly 10 million visitors, and included many extraordinary exhibits, including the introduction of the Corliss Steam Engine and Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone.

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 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 Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: This flag is in a multitiered frame with an outer walnut layer and an inner gilded layer.  It dates to between 1860 and 1890. 

Condition Report: There is some staining.  The most notable stain is in the bottom-left corner of the canton.  There are a few small holes.  The fringe is tattered in places, but only slightly. 

Collectability Level: The Best – Perfect for Advanced Collectors 
Date of Origin: 1876-1889 
Number of Stars: 38  
Associated War: The Indian Wars (1860-1890)  
Associated State: Colorado