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  49 STARS ON A SMALL SCALE PIECED-AND-SEWN AMERICAN FLAG REFLECTING THE ADDITION OF ALASKA IN 1959, OFFICIAL FOR JUST ONE YEAR, MADE BY DETTRA IN OAKS, PENNSYLVANIA

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): Approx. 35" x 48"
Flag Size (H x L): 22.75" x 36"
Description....:
49 star American national flag, in a great, small scale among its counterparts with pieced-an-sewn construction.

The canton and stripes of the flag are made of 100% cotton bunting that has been pieced with lineal machine stitching. The stars are made of cotton and are double-appliquéd (applied to both sides) with a zigzag machine stitch. There is a heavy canvas sleeve along the hoist with 2 brass grommets, along which the word "Champion" was applied with a black-inked stamp, followed by "cotton bunting" to indicate the primary materials and accompanied by "2x3" to indicate size in feet.

Champion was a brand name of the Dettra Flag Company. Dettra opened its doors in 1902 and was one of our nation's largest flag manufacturers. Like its largest competitor, Annin, it probably held military production contracts, particularly during wartime when there was grand scale consumption of national colors. Located in Oaks, Pennsylvania, in Montgomery County, outside Philadelphia, the company was bought by Annin in 1998.

Many people don’t know that the 49 star flag was actually official for a period of one year. Alaska joined the Union as the 49th state on January 3rd, 1959. Because stars were officially added on Independence Day for however many states had been admitted over the preceding "flag year," the 49 star flag became official on July 4th. Hawaii gained statehood just 48 days later, on August 21st, but it's star would not be added until July 4th, 1960.

Mounting: The flag was mounted and framed within our own conservation department, which is led by expert staff. We take great care in the mounting and presentation of flags and have preserved thousands of examples.

The background is 100% cotton twill, black in color. The black-painted and hand-gilded molding is Italian. The glazing is is U.V. protective plexiglass. Feel free to contact us for more details.

Condition: Excellent.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 49
Earliest Date of Origin: 1959
Latest Date of Origin: 1960
State/Affiliation: Alaska
War Association:
Price: SOLD
 

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