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Rare Antique 45-Star American Flag Hand-Painted on Cotton, Spanish-American War
$18,000
£13,605.92
€15,606.55
CA$25,092.74
A$27,315.49
CHF 14,499.08
MX$328,664.20
NOK 183,723.01
SEK 168,342.20
DKK 116,548.78
About the Item
This exceptional and exceedingly scarce 45-star American flag, commemorating Utah’s admission as the 45th state in 1896, represents one of the earliest surviving examples of a hand-painted cotton flag from this important transitional moment in U.S. history. Unlike the printed parade flags that became widespread after 1900, this piece is entirely hand-painted on woven cotton, a practice that virtually disappeared in the early 20th century due to the rise of inexpensive printed flags.
Hand-Painted Construction:
The red stripes are painted or stencil-painted, not printed, and they exhibit alligatoring, oxidation, and age cracks consistent with oil-based or early enamel paints used in the late 19th century. These paint characteristics and the cotton weave unmistakably anchor the textile to the period before mass-printed parade flags dominated patriotic décor. Flag’s dimensions without the frame: 35x55 cm.
Decorative Use, Not Military:
The left edge shows adhesive residue and old mounting traces, rather than a sewn hoist- indicating the flag was originally mounted as a banner, likely displayed on a storefront, public building, or parade float. Such hand-painted flags were popular during moments of heightened national pride and civic celebration, especially during the patriotic fervor surrounding the Spanish-American War.
Historical Context:
The 45-star period coincided with a wave of heightened national pride. Utah’s statehood in 1896 was soon followed by the Spanish-American War in 1898, during which the United States emerged as a global power. Patriotic decorations flooded public spaces, yet hand-painted flags on cotton are extraordinarily rare- far rarer than printed parade flags and even rarer than painted flags on heavy canvas.
Condition
Presentation:
The flag has been beautifully preserved, with expected age-related losses- particularly along the lower edge- yet maintains strong visual integrity and remarkable surface character. It is presented in a museum-quality, custom architectural frame, glazed and fully protected for long-term conservation. The striking presence, early paint surface, and rarity place this piece among the finest examples of late-19th-century patriotic folk art.
A True Artifact of American Identity:
This is more than a decorative object- it is a surviving artifact of America’s transition onto the world stage. Early hand-painted flags of this type were created in small numbers, used briefly, and seldom saved. The survival of this example makes it an extraordinary acquisition for collectors of early Americana, patriotic textiles, or historically significant folk art.
An exceptionally rare opportunity to own a museum-worthy American flag from a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.
- Dimensions:Height: 28.35 in (72 cm)Width: 36.23 in (92 cm)Depth: 1.19 in (3 cm)
- Style:Folk Art (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1896
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses.
- Seller Location:Doha, QA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7451247834692
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