Frame Size (H x L): 15” x 11.5”
Flag Size (H x L): 9.5” x 6”

Offered is a thirty-eight star antique flag that is printed on coarse cotton. The star pattern of this flag includes a center star that is surrounded by three concentric rings of stars. The inner ring includes five stars, the middle ring includes ten stars, and the outer ring includes twenty stars. The outer ring is flanked by an additional lower left star and a lower right star. This pattern is referred to as an offset medallion pattern, and is one of the classic patterns associated with nineteenth century antique flags.

This flag is printed in a reverse orientation. A reverse orientation is one in which the canton of a US flag is positioned in the upper-right corner. Current flag ethics state that the canton should always be placed in the upper-left, but such a requirement did not exist in the 19th century. To align with the modern requirement, we often frame such flags vertically, such as is the case for the flag offered herein.

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, such as 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: The frame has a crusty black finish and dates to approximately 1840.

Condition Report: There is some minor toning across the surface and some minor stains running along the hoist stripe. Overall, this flag is in excellent condition and amongst the best of era and kind.

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