Rare & Beautiful Indian War Period Military Guidon, Made of Silk with 38 Stars

RARE & BEAUTIFUL INDIAN WAR PERIOD MILITARY GUIDON, MADE OF SILK WITH 38 EMBROIDERED STARS IN A MEDALLION CONFIGURATION, 1876-1889, COLORADO STATEHOOD:

Indian Wars period military guidons are especially rare in the private marketplace. I have seen fewer than 10 examples. Typically constructed of Fine silk, like this example, these small flags were affixed to a wooden pole that fit down the barrel of a musket. A soldier would shoulder his rifle, thereby displaying the flag and marking the end of the flank. This helped in the formation of troops and as a visual aid for officers.

Construction of the stars on flank markers varied from one to the next. The 38 stars on this example are beautifully embroidered in silk floss and are configured in a circular medallion with a single star outside the pattern in each corner of the blue canton. Specifically this is known as a double wreath, having two concentric rings of stars. Since there was no official star pattern until 1912, the design was left up to the whims of either the flag-maker or the entity that ordered their manufacture.

Most ground force military flags were fringed on three sides like this flag, which is bordered by a variety made of fine yellow silk. The flag is expertly hand-sewn and hand-embroidered throughout. An open sleeve was created by rolling the hoist back onto itself, which was then lined on the interior with cotton. A small slit at the top and bottom of this probably accommodated space for cord to which tassels were attached.

Colorado became the 38th state in 1876 and on July 4th of 1877, the 38th star was officially added to the American national flag to reflect that state’s addition. The 38 star flag fell out of use on July 4th of 1890, following the addition of five more states.

Infantry flank markers are the smallest type of flag with sewn construction that was made with any regularity during this early period in American history. Because 19th century Stars & Stripes produced for military purpose are so rare in the private marketplace, because of this flag's elaborate silk construction and strikingly graphic presentation, and because the size is small enough to easily frame and display, this is an extraordinary addition to any collection.

Mounting: This is a pressure mount between 100% hemp fabric and U.V. protective acrylic. The 3-part frame is made of wood, yet has an excellent, distressed metallic finish that presents like gunmetal and rusted antique iron.

Condition: The overall condition is simply excellent among silk flags of this period. There is a lateral split in the center red stripe. Fabric of similar coloration was placed behind the flag for masking purposes. Most silk flags made during the latter half of the 19th century were made of fabric weighted with mineral salts. These were especially caustic and resulted in severe breakdown over time. While condition isn't everything in early flags, and many of my clients prefer flags to show their age and history of use, it is, however, especially nice to find an example like this one, in such an excellent state of preservation.

Frame size (H x L): 30.5" x 38.75"
Flag size (H x L): 20" x 28.5".