Flags with 37 stars are
much more scarce than flags with star counts of its
predecessor, 36, or its successor, 38. Why this is
so is somewhat speculative, but it most likely has to do
with the sentiment and events within the country at the
time. Flags of 36 stars tend to have been made at
the end of the Civil War period, since the star count
spans both the end of the war and a period of time into
the Reconstruction era. Flags of 38 stars tend to
have been made during the American Centennial, since
Colorado entered the union to become the 38th state in
August, 1876, and most flag manufacturers anticipated
Colorado's statehood due to the lengthy negotiations
that took place prior to the act. As a result, the
period of 37 star flags, which spans more than 9 years,
from March 1, 1867, through August 1, 1876, was a period
of relatively few significant events that would stir
patriotism and inspire the large scale production and
use of flags. Even at this late period, flags were
more often made for public use than for private use.
As the patriotism leading up to the American Centennial
began to build, flags in majestic patterns, most
especially the medallion pattern, began to emerge.
Because of this, I'm
confident that this flag was likely made circa
1875-1876, toward the end of the reign of the 37 star
flag, and at the start of the American Centennial.
Its beautiful double medallion is especially eye
catching, owing to the large size of the stars relative
to the canton. The stars nestle against each other in
interconnected concentric rings, which are subtly oval
in shape. The condition of the flag is immaculate,
with only the slightest aging to a few of the stars.
The flag is essentially unsoiled, and the degree of
mothing and wear, which is almost always present to some
extent, is virtually nonexistent. It is as close
to its original state and form as one could imagine.
The entire flag is hand sewn, which is somewhat unusual
for a flag of the era, though not unexpected.
Original antique medallion flags rarely surface, and
when they do, I've found that each one has its own
special character, despite the common traits, such as
corner stars, center stars, wreaths, and other
attributes that define a Medallion Pattern American
Flag. This wonderful flag from the period of
reconstruction and the early Centennial is a perfect
example of the type.