Price: Call 618-553-2291, or email info@bonsellamericana.com
Frame Size (H x L): 32.5” x 46”
Flag Size (H x L): 22” x 35.5”  

Offered here is a large‐scale, thirty-eight star United States flag, printed on coarse cotton and showcasing an offset medallion star pattern. This design features a central star encircled by three concentric rings of stars—a five star inner ring, a ten star middle ring, and a twenty star outer ring—along with two offset stars positioned to the right. Medallion patterns like this were particularly popular in the nineteenth century, reflecting the creativity of private flag manufacturers who often added artistic flourishes to their designs.

The medallion pattern itself holds historical significance, embodying both patriotic symbolism and aesthetic appeal. Such patterns were favored during periods of heightened national pride, as their symmetrical and eye-catching designs emphasized the unity of the states. While the U.S. government did not standardize star arrangements until the early twentieth century, medallion patterns were commonly seen in the flags of the Civil War and post-Civil War eras, making them enduring symbols of an expanding and optimistic nation.

The thirty‐eight stars on this flag represent Colorado’s admission to the Union on August 1st, 1876. Known as the “Centennial State,” Colorado earned its nickname for achieving statehood just twenty‐eight days after the nation’s centennial celebrations. Colorado’s journey to statehood began with the establishment of the Colorado Territory in 1861, spurred by the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush, which brought a wave of settlers to the region. Early statehood efforts faced setbacks, including a veto by President Andrew Johnson in the 1860s, but a renewed push in the mid-1870s culminated in Colorado’s official entry as the thirty-eighth state following Congress’s passage of an enabling act.

Although the thirty‐eight star flag did not become official until July 4th, 1877, flag makers frequently produced “anticipatory flags” ahead of such changes. These flags played a prominent role during the centennial celebrations of 1876, alongside revival designs featuring thirteen stars to commemorate the original colonies. The Centennial year was a watershed moment for the United States, fostering a renewed sense of patriotism and unity after the divisions of the Civil War. Communities across the nation adorned homes, businesses, and public spaces with red, white, and blue decorations, and flags became the centerpiece of this outpouring of national pride.

The Centennial International Exposition in Philadelphia was the highlight of these celebrations, attracting nearly ten million visitors between May and November of 1876. This world’s fair showcased American ingenuity on a grand scale, with notable exhibits including the Corliss Steam Engine and Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone, which would go on to revolutionize communication.

The thirty‐eight star flag officially served from July 4th, 1877, to July 4th, 1890, during which it flew over the administrations of Presidents Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Chester A. Arthur, Grover Cleveland, and Benjamin Harrison. This flag represented a nation growing both geographically and industrially. Colorado’s statehood symbolized the United States’ expansion westward, driven by mining booms, railroad construction, and the development of new settlements.

In 1890, the addition of five new states—North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Washington, and Idaho—necessitated a redesign, and the forty‐three star flag replaced the thirty‐eight star version. Despite its relatively short tenure, the thirty‐eight star flag remains a prized artifact, celebrated for its vibrant medallion designs and its connection to the Centennial year—a defining moment in American history when the nation reflected on its first century and welcomed Colorado as a symbol of progress and unity.

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 offering is in our X-Large Distressed Black and Silver Frame.

Condition Report: The flag is in overall good antique condition for its age. The colors remain visible, though the red and blue areas exhibit fading consistent with time and exposure. There are some small holes, fraying along the edges, and light staining, but these issues do not significantly detract from its historical integrity or presentation. If anything, they add to it.

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