Frame Size (H x L): 28” x 35”
Flag Size (H x L): 17” x 24”  

Offered is a thirty-eight star parade flag, in a large size, and printed on silk.  This is the first such example that we have encountered, and we believe that it may be the only remaining example.   

The stars of this flag are arranged in a medallion pattern.  Its particular medallion includes a center star, an inner diamond ring, a circular middle ring, and an outer circular ring.  The outer circular ring is surrounded by four flanking stars, one of which is in each corner of the canton.  The inner diamond ring includes four stars, the circular middle ring includes eleven stars, and the outer circular ring includes eighteen stars.  The stars are all similar in size.  In contrast, most medallions include a large center star and smaller stars surrounding it.

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 and surround it with one or more wreaths of stars.  Beginning in the 1890s, 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. 

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 professionally conserved.  It is sewn to silk and positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.    

Frame: This offering is in our Large Distressed Gold Frame. 

Condition Report: This flag exhibits some fading, staining, and small tears.  The small tears have been professionally stabilized and masked.  It presents very well.

Collectability Level: The Extraordinary – Museum Quality Offerings
Date of Origin: 1876-1889
Number of Stars: 38
Associated War: The Indian Wars (1860-1890)
Associated State: Colorado