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  39 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH AN ELONGATED FORMAT AND TWO SIZES OF STARS IN ALTERNATING COLUMNS, NEVER AN OFFICIAL STAR COUNT, 1876

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 22.5" x 33.75"
Flag Size (H x L): 11.5" x 22.75"
Description....:
39 STARS ON A FLAG WITH AN UNUSUALLY ELONGATED FORMAT AND TWO SIZES OF STARS IN ALTERNATING COLUMNS, MADE IN 1876 IN ANTICIPATION OF THE ADDITION OF COLORADO AND THE DAKOTA TERRITORY, NEVER AN OFFICIAL STAR COUNT:

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, all of which occur in the 39 star count and were probably produced by the same maker. Of equal interest is the exaggerated length, which adds significant folk quality to the design.

39 star flags were made at two different times during the late 19th century. The first were made in 1876 in anticipation of the addition of two new states. Only one of these states, Colorado, was added on August 1st of that year, which brought the star count to 38. The Dakotas would not come for another 13 years, which meant that the 39 star flags made in this year were soon defunct. Thirteen years later, on November 2nd of 1889, the Dakotas came in as two different states (North & South), which forever rendered 39 star flags both inaccurate and unofficial.

In some cases, flag makers may have saved the 1876 print designs with 39 stars and produced them again in 1889. It is also possible that some 39 star flags may have remained in the stock rooms of flag-makers and dry goods stores for more than a decade, to be brought out again when the actual addition of the 39th state once again loomed on the horizon. Because I have seen this particular style incorporated into patriotic quilts made for the 1876 centennial celebration, logic suggests that this flag to be of the earlier variety. In any event, the existence of 39 star flags is a classic display of both American capitalism and expansionist ideals for the growth of our nation.

On this particular example a length of cotton twill tape was treadle-stitched along the hoist for strength when it was affixed to a staff. This would most likely have been done by the purchaser and is period to the flag.

Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton, black in color, which was washed to reduce excess dye. An acid-free agent was added to the wash to further set the dye and the fabric was heat-treated form the same purpose. The mount was then placed in a modern, burled wood molding with distressed appearance and a wide convex profile. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: There is a small area with minor black flecks in the top, fly-end quadrant of the stripe field, but there are no further condition issues. Many of my clients to prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 39
Earliest Date of Origin: 1876
Latest Date of Origin: 1876
State/Affiliation: North Dakota
War Association: 1866-1890 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

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