45 Star Flag with an Unusual Notched Pattern | Utah Statehood | Circa 1896-1907

Description

Frame Size (H x L):
24.5” x 34.5”
Flag Size (H x L):
16” x 26”
Offered is a forty-five star flag made of cotton.  The stars are arranged in a very rare 6-7-6-7-6-7-6 pattern, with notches on the right side of the canton in the first, third, fifth, and sixth rows of stars.  Additionally, the stars are all canted to the 11:00 position.  The forty-five star flag represents the inclusion of Utah to the Union.  Utah was admitted on January 4th, 1896, and this flag became official on July 4th, 1896.  Presidents Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, and Teddy Roosevelt served under this flag, and the Spanish-American War was fought under it.
In 1848 Utah became a territory of the United States, and in 1849 its constitution was established as the Mormon State of Deseret.  The next year, the State of Deseret applied to become a state, but Congress rejected the application and changed its name to the Utah Territory, which included the entirety of Nevada and portions of Colorado and Wyoming (as a section of the Missouri Compromise).  Despite its continued efforts to gain statehood, it remained a territory, partially as a result of the Mormon Church and Utah authorities being openly tolerant of polygamy.  In 1890 Utah outlawed the practice, and in 1896 Utah finally became the forty-fifth state.  The forty-five star flag was official for 12 years up until July 4th, 1908, when the forty-six star flag became official and began to represent the inclusion of Oklahoma in 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 Conservation Clear Acrylic (standard) or behind Optium Museum Acrylic (per request).
Frame:
This offering is in our Medium Gold with Flat Profile Frame.
Condition Report:
The canton and stripes are both faded.  There are small nail holes along the hoist stripe.  Additionally, there is staining on the right side of the flag across all of the stripes.  Despite this, this flag presents wonderfully, and many collectors prefer flags that show their use and age.
Collectability Level:
The Good – Perfect for Beginning Collectors and Gifts
Date of Origin:
1896-1907
Number of Stars:
45
Associated War:
The Spanish-American War (1898)
Associated State:
Utah
About Us:
BONSELL | AMERICANA is the preeminent source for antique flags and political textiles.  Every piece is handpicked and custom framed.  Their offerings make for one-of-a-kind statement pieces, and they hang in beautiful homes, important offices, and noteworthy buildings across the country.  Their very best offerings are available exclusively on the BONSELL | AMERICANA webpage at www.bonsellamericana.com.  Thank you for looking.