40 Star Antique Vintage American Flag
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:509337 |
Year: 1889 - official for just six days
Size: 115x70"One of the rarest post Civil War flags that I've had the pleasure to own.In 1889 the Dakota Territory was suppose to come into the union as the 39th state. As such, printed and manufactered 39 star flags were pretty common as "anticipatory" flags. However, on November 2nd North AND South Dakota were added, giving the USA a total of 40 states. Just as 40 star flags were begining to come into play, Montana was added six days later, ...making the forty star flag obsolete in just 144 hours. Printed flags come to the marketplace occasionally as once the clamp dye process was set, it was relatively easy to make replicas. However, pieced and sewn examples such as this are exceedingly rare and almost never surface for sale. This flag is well built. It has very few holes. The edge has been hemmed over from repairs from wind damage. The hoist is heavy canvas with 4 grommets. All stars are roughly 5 inches, hand sewn, and are oriented to the 12:00 position, except for the topmost left which is inverted. The canton is constructed from two 18" pieces of bunting sewn together. This is a true addition to any collection, and likely one of 10 surviving pieced and sewn examples of 40 star flags.
Size: 115x70"One of the rarest post Civil War flags that I've had the pleasure to own.In 1889 the Dakota Territory was suppose to come into the union as the 39th state. As such, printed and manufactered 39 star flags were pretty common as "anticipatory" flags. However, on November 2nd North AND South Dakota were added, giving the USA a total of 40 states. Just as 40 star flags were begining to come into play, Montana was added six days later, ...making the forty star flag obsolete in just 144 hours. Printed flags come to the marketplace occasionally as once the clamp dye process was set, it was relatively easy to make replicas. However, pieced and sewn examples such as this are exceedingly rare and almost never surface for sale. This flag is well built. It has very few holes. The edge has been hemmed over from repairs from wind damage. The hoist is heavy canvas with 4 grommets. All stars are roughly 5 inches, hand sewn, and are oriented to the 12:00 position, except for the topmost left which is inverted. The canton is constructed from two 18" pieces of bunting sewn together. This is a true addition to any collection, and likely one of 10 surviving pieced and sewn examples of 40 star flags.
