Updated on November 28: This has been sold.
We’ve had several items from the wonderful world’s fairs and expositions. This small silk flag from the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia has words woven into the stripes. Woven into the red stripes: “Philadelphia International Exhibition; America and France; Union For Ever; Souvenir.” Woven into the white stripes: “Philadelphia International Exhibition; Union For Ever; 1776 Centennial 1876; Memento.”
We’ve put it in a Lucite block so you can easily see both sides. One in beautiful condition in an antique frame was sold for $3,600. Because the one we have has been exposed to the sun and has faded, it is priced at a small fraction of that.
— Lee Wright | Founder
This silk American flag was created for the 1876 Centennial International Exposition in Philadelphia, celebrating the nation's 100th anniversary of independence.
The flag was woven using the Stevensgraph process and features 36 stars. (See the link below for a discussion of the 36 star - 37 star difference.)
The red stripes have this text:
“Philadelphia International Exhibition; America and France; Union For Ever; Souvenir,”
The white stripes have this text:
“Philadelphia International Exhibition; Union For Ever; 1776 Centennial 1876; Memento.”
Source and for additional information see renown flag dealer Jeff R. Bridgman's write up.
The Centennial Exhibition celebrating 100 years of American cultural and industrial progress was held at the Fairmount Park Fairgrounds in Philadelphia and was the first major world’s fair held in the United States.
We have additional items from this exhibition, including this framed textile that has the American flag surrounded by the flags from the participating countries and these pressed glass items.
Flag size: 2.75" x 4.75"
Enclosed in a 5" x 7" freestanding Lucite frame to protect the flag while allowing you to display it standing or flat. The two pieces of Lucite are held together with magnets, which makes it easy to remove the currency for a closer inspection or to frame in a different manner or to store.
Note that the manufacturer claims UV protection, but I haven't seen any technical report, so recommend keeping them out of direct sunlight.
Important note on the care of these frames: Use a microfiber cloth or similar to remove dust and fingerprints. Do not use household cleaners.
Shipping: $10. Please allow one week for shipping.