Commemorative ribbon

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Status

Not on view

Datec. 1876

Artist Unknown

Medium/TechniqueSilk

DimensionsOverall: 6 7/8 in. x 2 3/16 in. (17.46 cm x 5.56 cm)

Credit LineGift of Ron and Marilyn Millage, Sr., 2011

Object numberM-5250

DescriptionSilk ribbon with woven, polychrome decoration. At the top of the ribbon an eagle with out-spread wings holds a red, white, and blue American flag, which is draped in swags around the staff. At the center of the ribbon is an oval cartouche containing a black and white portrait of George Washington, after Gilbert Stuart's "Athenaeum" portrait. Above the portrait is a blue banner with lettering in white: "THESE UNITED COLONIES ARE / AND OF RIGHT OUGHT TO BE / FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES." Below the portrait are thirteen miniature ribbons, alternating blue and red, with yellow stars suspended from the bottom. Each ribbon contains a state name, from left to right: NEW HAMPSHIRE / RHODE ISLAND / MASSACHUSETTS / NEW YORK / CONNECTICUT / NEW JERSEY / PENNSYLVANIA / VIRGINIA / DELAWARE / N CAROLINA / S CAROLINA / MARYLAND / GEORGIA." The bottom of the ribbon is shaped to a downward point, from which is suspended a light blue silk tassel.

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