Original Item: Only One Available. On August 1st, 1876, Colorado was officially recognized as the 38th State of the United States of America. The following year, on July 4th, the 38 Star Flag was officially adopted as the national flag of the US. This flag remained in use for a period of 13 years until between July 4th 1889 and July 4th 1890, when five new states joined the union, leading to the introduction of the 43 Star Flag.

This is an outstanding example of a 38-star flag of printed multi-piece construction. What is most interesting about this flag is the marking on the halyard, reading:

PATENTED
APR. 26TH, 1870

AMERICAN ENSIGN 5FT

This is notable because Colorado did not become the 38th state until 1876. The company that manufactured this flag must have patented the design of the flag 6 years in advance, as there was no official template for the American flag until the Centennial in 1876. This flag also represents the shift of flag making to a more industrialized process. Previous to this, many people handmade their flags with their own natural dyes and embroidery, or got them from local craftspeople who did the same.

After the Civil War, it became increasingly common for flags to be made by companies, until they reached the more mass-produced process that we know today around the middle of the 20th century.

This example is in good condition for its age, but there is very heavy tearing and ripping of the material in many different places, along the halyard as well. This example would look best framed. There is a crude handwritten name on the back of the halyard.

The flag measures roughly 37 x 63” and displays very well with its unique star pattern.

A fantastic example, ready to frame and display!