Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  41 STARS, AN UNOFFICIAL COUNT, ACCURATE FOR JUST THREE DAYS, EXTREMELY RARE, 1889, MONTANA STATEHOOD

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 26" x 34.75"
Flag Size (H x L): 15.75" x 24.5"
Description....:
41 STARS, AN UNOFFICIAL COUNT, ACCURATE 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. It is highly unusual to have so many rows on a 19th century American national flag in any star count. Flag-makers generally preferred fewer rows with more stars. This particular style comes in two different sizes, of which this is the larger.

Mounting: The solid walnut molding has a substantial profile and a gilded liner and dates to the period between 1860 and 1880. The flag has been hand-stitched to a background of 100% cotton twill, black in color. The cotton was washed to remove excess dye. An acid-free agent was added to the wash to further set the dye and the fabric was heat-treated for the same purpose. The 3-part frame is made of wood, yet has an excellent, distressed metallic finish that presents like gunmetal and rusted antique iron. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: Excellent, with but a tiny hole in the canton and minor fading.
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
 

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