{"product_id":"original-u-s-spanish-american-war-large-45-star-1896-1908-multi-piece-wool-national-flag-with-fringe-in-army-national-colors-style-70-x-78","title":"Original U.S. Spanish American War Large 45 Star (1896-1908) Multi-Piece Wool National Flag with Fringe in Army National Colors Style - 70 x 78”","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a large and impressive original \u003cb\u003e45-star United States national flag\u003c\/b\u003e dating to the Spanish-American War era, constructed from multi-piece wool with individually sewn stars, a reinforced canvas pole header, and surviving fringe. The flag measures approximately \u003cb\u003e70 x 78 inches\u003c\/b\u003e, although this measurement is approximate because the fragile textile could not be completely unfolded. Its construction, proportions, pole attachment, and fringe are consistent with the general form of an \u003cb\u003eArmy National Color or other ceremonial military flag\u003c\/b\u003e used during the Spanish American War, although there are no markings or provenance to back this up. Still, this would look fantastic as a backdrop to any Spanish American War collection as a representation of national colors. The stars are organized in three rows of seven and three rows of eight stars, for fourty-five total.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cb\u003e45-star flag became the official United States flag on July 4, 1896\u003c\/b\u003e, following the admission of \u003cb\u003eUtah as the 45th state on January 4, 1896\u003c\/b\u003e. It remained official through \u003cb\u003eJuly 3, 1908\u003c\/b\u003e. Oklahoma entered the Union on November 16, 1907, and its admission resulted in the 46-star flag becoming official on July 4, 1908. The 45-star pattern therefore encompasses the \u003cb\u003eSpanish-American War of 1898, the Philippine-American War, and the opening years of the 20th century\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flag is in very good condition considering that it is over 100 years old, and shows very heavy damage, staining, and overall wear. There is some stitching that is now worn away, but the flag is still solid. The heaviest wear is to the stars which have heavy tattering of the material. Time and wear have led to fraying and holes in the wool body, and the colors have faded over time as well. The fringe is mostly retained though it is fragile. Otherwise, the flag is in really tremendous condition for its age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Army tradition of carrying the Stars and Stripes as the \u003cb\u003eNational Color\u003c\/b\u003e alongside a unit or regimental Color was firmly established by the late 19th century. Army ceremonial doctrine traces the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the national military Color to the period shortly before the Civil War, after which units could carry both the national flag and a separate organizational or regimental Color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is particularly noteworthy for its \u003cb\u003e45-star Spanish-American War-era configuration, large approximately 70 x 78-inch dimensions, multi-piece wool construction, individually sewn stars, reinforced pole header, and surviving fringe\u003c\/b\u003e. Its form is consistent with the type of ceremonial National Color carried or displayed by military organizations during the period, while the heavy wear and surviving construction preserve the unmistakable character of a late-19th-century American flag. It should be professionally framed to preserve it for years to come.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45840321478725,"sku":"ONSV26MSB098","price":795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/C71F40AB-C59F-408E-A646-FF234B751D9C.jpg?v=1790186844","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-spanish-american-war-large-45-star-1896-1908-multi-piece-wool-national-flag-with-fringe-in-army-national-colors-style-70-x-78","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}