RARE INDIAN WARS ERA 39 STAR AMERICAN FLAG

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2004

Rare 19th century 39 STAR AMERICAN FLAG printed on cotton and measuring 8” X 12.” Typical of the display flags used at political rallies and public events. This would be an “unofficial” version of the 39 star flag marking North Dakota’s admission to the union, c1889. Under the Flag Act of 1818, a new star was to be added to the US flag on the Fourth of July following the state’s admission to the union. Colorado was admitted on August 1, 1876 as the 38th state and the 38 star flag became official on July 4, 1877. The 39th state was North Dakota, admitted on November 2, 1889. However, because 4 other states were admitted to the union before July 4, 1890, there was no “official” 39 star flag. South Dakota was also admitted on November 2, 1889; Montana was admitted on November 8, 1889; Washington was admitted on November 11, 1889; and Idaho was admitted on July 3, 1890. The “official” flag thus jumped from 38 stars to 43 stars on July 4, 1890. With the admission of Wyoming on July 10, 1890, the 43 star “official” flag was in use but a single year until July 4, 1891 when the 44 star flag came into use. Individual states often wanted a flag marking its own entry into the union, so “unofficial” 39, 40, 41 and 42 star flags are known but are rarely seen. Some wear and fading but complete with no tears or repairs.

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