Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
Sold Flags



  41 STARS, AN UNOFFICAL COUNT, ACCUATE FOR JUST THREE DAYS, EXTREMELY RARE, 1889, MONTANA STATEHOOD

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L):
Flag Size (H x L): 15.5" x 24"
Description....:
41 STARS, AN UNOFFICAL COUNT, ACCUATE FOR JUST THREE DAYS, EXTREMELY RARE, 1889, MONTANA STATEHOOD:

41 star American national parade flag, printed on cotton. 41 was never an official star count. There were many flags produced with unofficial star counts, but this one was accurate for just three days and is extremely rare.

On November 2nd of 1889, the Dakotas became the 39th and 40th states. Six days later, on November 8th, Montana entered as the 41st state. And just three days following, on November 11th, Washington became the 42nd state. Flag makers had been producing 38 and 39 star flags in anticipation of the addition of the Dakota territory, either as one or as two separate states. They passed over the 40 and 41 star counts, however, since 4 states were unexpectedly added during this 9 day period and there was virtually no reason to make flags with these counts. Celebrations would have taken place in the respective states upon their addition, however, and also possibly at the nation's capital. Some of the 40 and 41 star flags may likely have been produced for these events.

Whatever their purpose may have been, 41 star flags are among the most rare that exist in all of flag collecting. There are probably fewer than twenty 41 star parade flags or hand-wavers (small printed flags) known to exist, all of which have the same star configuration, which consists of staggered rows of 5-4-5-4-5-4-5-4-5. The style comes in two different sizes and this is the larger of the two.

Mounting: The flag has not yet been mounted.

Condition: Once blue, the canton has faded to a grey-green. There is minor to moderate soling in the stripes, accompanied by minor bleeding. There is a tiny hole in the bottom of the canton near the hoist end and there is a moderate hole in the center of the 5th white stripe. This can be easily dealt with during the mounting process, by placing fabric of similar coloration behind the mount. Many of my clients prefer early flag to show their age and history of use. Further, the flag's great rarity warrants practically any condition.
Collector Level: Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 41
Earliest Date of Origin: 1889
Latest Date of Origin: 1889
State/Affiliation: Montana
War Association: 1866-1890 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

Views: 2809