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  39 TILTED STARS ON A ROYAL BLUE CANTON, 1876 OR 1889, AN UNOFFICIAL STAR COUNT

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 19.25" x 23.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 12.5" x 16"
Description....:
39 TILTED STARS ON A ROYAL BLUE CANTON, 1876 OR 1889, AN UNOFFICIAL STAR COUNT:

39 star American parade flag, printed on cotton, with a brilliant, royal blue canton and stars that tilt at a uniform angle in the 1:00 position.

39 star flags were made at two different times in the late 19th century. The first were made between 1875 and 1876 in anticipation of the addition of two new states. Only one of these states was added (Colorado on August 1st), which brought the star count to 38. This meant that the 39 star flags made in this year 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 two different states (North & South), which forever rendered 39 star flags both inaccurate and unofficial.

In some cases, flag makers may have saved the 1875-76 print designs and used 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 finally loomed on the horizon. 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.

Mounting: The paint-decorated molding dates to the period between 1900 and 1920. The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton rag mat. Spacers keep the textile away from the glass, which is U.V. protective.

Condition: There is moderate bleeding in the two white stripes below the canton, accompanied my very minor staining elsewhere in the stripes.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 39
Earliest Date of Origin: 1876
Latest Date of Origin: 1889
State/Affiliation: North Dakota
War Association: 1866-1890 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

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