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  39 STARS, ELONGATED FORM with 2 SIZES OF STARS, NEVER OFFICIAL, 1875-76

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 23" x 35"
Flag Size (H x L): 11.75" x 24"
Description....:
39 STARS, ELONGATED FORM with 2 SIZES OF STARS, NEVER AN OFFICIAL STAR COUNT, 1875-76:

39 star American parade flag, printed on cotton bunting. This is one of only three styles known that use stars in two different sizes to make columns of equal height. Equally interesting is the exaggerated length of the flag, which adds considerable to its already strong folk qualities.

39 star flags were made at two different times in the late 19th century. The first 39 star flags were made in 1875 and 1876, in anticipation of the addition of 2 new states. Only one of these states was added (Colorado, in August, 1876), which brought the star count to 38. This meant that the 39 star flags made at this time were soon defunct. Thirteen years later 39 star flags were made again with the anticipation of the addition of the Dakota Territory. On November 2nd of 1889, the Dakotas came in as 2 different states (North & South), which again rendered 39 star flags both inaccurate and unofficial. Flag makers may likely have saved the 1875-76 print design, and used it again in 1889. Or the flags may have remained in the stock room of a dry goods store for more than a decade, to be brought out again with the actual addition of the 39th state finally came about. Because I have seen this style incorporated into patriotic quilts made for the Centennial Celebration, logic suggests that this flag to be of the 1875-76 variety.

Mounting: The flag is stitched with cotton thread to 100% cotton rag mat, and placed in a contemporary burled molding. Spacers keep the textile away from the glass, which is u.v. protective.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 39
Earliest Date of Origin: 1875
Latest Date of Origin: 1876
State/Affiliation: North Dakota
War Association: 1866-1889 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

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