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48 Star Antique American Flag, with Hand-Crocheted Stars, ca 1917-1918
$3,850
£2,917.86
€3,346.53
CA$5,379.18
A$5,868.39
CHF 3,112.48
MX$70,700.93
NOK 39,503.38
SEK 36,166.42
DKK 24,993.61
About the Item
48 STARFISH-LIKE, NEEDLEWORK EXECUTED STARS ON A HAND-CROCHETED ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG FROM THE EARLIEST PART OF THE 48 STAR ERA, 1912-WWI (U.S. INVOLVEMENT 1917-18) OR EVEN PRIOR TO THE RESPECTIOVCE STATES’ ADDITION; AN EXCEPTIONAL LITTLE EXAMPLE OF THE HIGHEST ORDER
Beginning around the turn of the century, it became popular to crochet American flags. This gem among early examples has embroidered stars, executed in a very simple manner, with gathered stitching to create a central mass, from which emanate single strands of thread. Irregularity in the way that this was accomplished, with crude arms flailing in all directions, results in something that looks more like living starfish than perhaps any other example I have come across. The folk art sensibility of the entire complement, 48 in total, arranged in 8 rows of 6, instead of the usual 6 rows of 8, has wonderful visual qualities. Note the tall and narrow canton that accommodates this arrangement, faded to a dusty blue, that provides an obvious representation of age.
This little homemade flag was most likely constructed at the very beginning of the 48 star period, sometime between 1912 and WWI (U.S. involvement 1917-18), if not even prior to this time. At this point in American history, in the spirit of manifest destiny, it was common to add stars before the states were actually in, in hopeful anticipation of their arrival. Even though New Mexico and Arizona became the 47th and 48 states in January and February of 1912, respectively, I have seen examples with handwritten, printed, or embroidered dates as early as 1896, a full 16 years prior to their admission. The 48 star flag became official on July 4th, 1912 and remained so until July 3rd, 1959, following the addition of Alaska as the 49th state.
Mounting: The flag was mounted and framed within our own conservation department, which is led by expert trained staff. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and have framed thousands of examples.
The wide, solid walnut molding, with its dark, early patina, dates to the period between 1860 and the 1870’s. To this a gilded molding of the 1830-1870 era, with a convex profile, was added as a liner. The flag has been carefully hand-stitched to 100% hemp fabric. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.
Condition: The canton has faded to a dusty blue-grey. Otherwise excellent.
- Dimensions:Height: 16.5 in (41.91 cm)Width: 19 in (48.26 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1917-1918
- Condition:See Item Description.
- Seller Location:York County, PA
- Reference Number:Seller: 48j-10221stDibs: LU849737580922
About the Seller
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