Frame Size (H x L): 24” x 28.5”
Flag Size (H x L): 13” x 17.5”    

Offered is a thirty-eight star antique flag.  It is printed on crepe paper and was made by the Dennison Company (as noted on the reverse of the flag).  Stenciled along the fourth white stripe is “R.H. Macy,” the businessman who founded R.H. Macy and Company, in New York, in 1858.  Based on this stencil, we can infer that this flag was either sold at R.H. Macy and Company or, more likely, provided as a promotional item.  The R.H. Macy stencil is particularly significant, in that is the only such flag that we have ever encountered and in that it provides some provenance.   

The stars are arranged in a 5-7-7-7-7-5 pattern, such that there are open notches in the corners of the canton.  This pattern is sometimes referred to as a global star pattern and is striking in its appearance.  In addition, the stars are canted to the 11:00 position.   

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 in 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 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 Large Gold Frame. 

Condition Report: This flag is in excellent condition.      

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