U.S. 38 Star Flag - Mrs. Marian Knecht

U.S. 38 Star Flag - Mrs. Marian Knecht
The heading of this flag bears the inscription Patent April 26, 1870. This patent refers to John Holts improvements in the production of press dyed United States flags. Although patented by Holt of Lovell, Massachusetts, the patents were controlled by the United States Bunting Company of the same city, and continued to be so until their expiration. While the United States Bunting Company manufactured numerous flags for both the U.S. Armys Quartermasters Department and the U.S. Navy, the star patterns used for garrison, storm, and post flags by the army and for naval ensigns differed from the arrangement depicted on this flag, so it is thought that this flag represents a product that the U.S. Bunting Company developed for sale to the civilian market during the centennial celebration. Brass grommets, one at each end of the white canvas heading along the hoist edge, affixed the flag to its staff or halyard.

Marked on the heading with "Patent April 26, 1870." in reference to John Holt's patent for press dying patterns on stars. Such flags are usually associated with the United States Bunting Company of Lowell, Massachusetts. The star arrangement is atypical. Possible US Navy Flag.

Exhibition History:
First Presidio Exhibit
(ZFC0066)
38-Star Press-Dyed United States Flag

Second Presidio Exhibit, 2003 - GALLERY V
(ZFC0066)
38-Star Press-Dyed United States Flag

Publication History:
Madaus, Howard M., Dr, Whitney Smith, The American Flag: Two Centuries of Concord and Conflict. Santa Cruz: VZ Publications, 2006, p. 99.

Provenance: Acquired by the Zaricor Flag Collection (ZFC0066) in 1996 from the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House Collection of Baltimore, MD.