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Indiana State Flag, with Gold Fringe ca 1930-1955

About the Item

Indiana State Flag With Square-like Proportions, An Offset Device, And Gold Fringe, Circa 1930-1955: Despite the fact that most of the United States joined the Union during the 18th and 19th centuries, many didn’t have a state flag until the beginning of the 20th. Even among these, Indiana was a latecomer. Although it became the 19th state on December 11th, 1816, the flag was no accepted until a full 101 years and 5 months later, to the day, on May 11th, 1917. The selected design was the result of a competition held by the Indiana State Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, held in preparation for the state’s own centennial in 1916, and won by a man named Paul Hadley (a Quaker, artist, and avid collector of unusual glass bottles). The official adoption took place in the midst of WWI (U.S. involvement 1917-1918). The pattern consists of 13 stars in a circular wreath, to represent the 13 original colonies, with 5 stars inside it, to reflect those states that came in afterwards, the largest of which represents Indiana itself. This is positioned at the top of a torch, included to represent liberty and enlightenment, with rays spreading outward to illustrate their ‘far-reaching influence.’ Unlike many other state flags and banners, the design has remained the same from its acceptance until today, with the exception of a 1955 resolution that dictated a traditional, rectangular format, unlike the “squarish” proportions presented in this example. Made of woolen fabric, possibly with some synthetic silk (rayon/viscose) content and a gabardine, twill-woven grain, the Navy blue ground is turned onto itself and stitched in place along the hoist. Instead of forming an open sleeve, as would typically be the case, ties made of the same fabric were added at the extreme top and bottom. The device is made of appliqued, golden yellow felt and there is a gold silk fringe on three sides. All of the stitching was accomplished by machine with a lineal stitch. The flag was produced sometime between the 1920’s and 1955, with the most likely date of manufacture during the 1940’s. The square proportions and the period of manufacture tend to suggest military or parade use. Due to the proportions, the fringe, the strong colors, and the bold elements of the attractive device, this particular example is especially beautiful. Mounting: The flag was mounted and framed within our own conservation department, which is led by expert staff. We take great care in the mounting and presentation of flags and have preserved thousands of examples. Condition: Excellent for the period, with but minor fading.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 66 in (167.64 cm)Width: 75 in (190.5 cm)Depth: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1930-1955
  • Condition:
    See Item Description.
  • Seller Location:
    York County, PA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: ofj-9631stDibs: LU849725171002
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