Frame Size (H x L): 23” x 32”
Flag Size (H x L): 13” x 22”  

Offered is a thirty-eight star antique flag that is printed on glazed cotton.  The stars are arranged in a 6-7-6-6-7-6 pattern, in which there are larger spaces in the rows of six and smaller spaces in the rows of seven. 

The second star in the second row is canted to the 11:00 position, while the sixth star is canted to the 1:00 position.  Similarly, the second star in the fifth row is canted to the 11:00 position, and the sixth star is canted to the 1:00 position.  Most likely, the flag maker reworked a thirty-six star stamp, so as to shoehorn two additional stars onto the canton (i.e., one additional star in the second row and one in the fifth row).  Such a reuse of the manufacturing equipment points to the crude nature and frugality of 19th century flag making.    

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 offering is in our Medium Gold with Flat Profile Frame. 

Condition Report: As shown in the photos, this flag has some minor staining near its hoist end and near its fly end.  There is a small tear near the top of the hoist.  Some portions of the canton are white, which is more likely the result of printing issues than damage.  Despite all of this, the flag presents wonderfully.   

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