Frame Size (H x L): 27” x 22”
Flag Size (H x L): 17” x 12”

Offered is a thirty-eight star parade flag with a great medallion pattern. The medallion includes a center star that is surrounded by three concentric rings of stars, and four flanking stars—all of which are the same size. This is an unusual pattern, as most thirty-eight star medallions comprise only two flanking stars, instead of four as shown on this flag. Most makers included only two flanking stars, so as to leave room for further states to join the Union.

The canton of the flag is a beautiful cornflower blue, and its stripes are a deep red. The First Flag Act of 1777 specified the number of stripes and the colors of the flag, but did not specify the exact shades of each color, which is why some flags—like this one—have an unusually light blue canton. The exact shades were not officially specified until 1934.

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 Black and Gold Frame.

Condition Report: This flag has some very, very minor stains, but is otherwise flawless.

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