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  Extremely Rare 43 Star American National Flag -- Idaho Statehood

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L):
Flag Size (H x L): 54.5" x 105" (4' 6.5" x 9' 9")
Description....:
43 Star American National Flag. There were many flags produced with unofficial star counts in the third quarter of the 19th century. Interestingly enough, however, there was also the 43 star flag, which was official for one year, but for all practical purposes never produced. The official "flag year" began every July 4th. On Independence Day, all states having been added to the Union over the previous year were officially given a star on this day. Idaho joined the Union as our 43rd state on July 3rd, 1890, just one day before the 42 star flag (being produced in large quantities) would have become the official count. But production of the 43 star flag was overlooked, as a result of the addition of Wyoming just 7 days later. There are about six or seven 43 star flags known to exist, and it is one of the most rare counts. The stars of the flag have a peculiar configuration. While most are arranged haphazardly in rows, a small circle of stars is formed the middle of the field along the hoist end. You can gain another perspective on the canton if you rotate it 90 degrees clockwise and thus stand it on end. In this position, note that the middle two columns of stars run parallel until they reach the top, where they bend outward to the left and right like flower petals, leaving one star suspended above and between the 2 columns. No matter how you look at it, however, the flag has strong folk quality. A very unusual characteristic of this flag is that both the stars and the stripes of the flag are hand-sewn. This is seldom ever seen in the late 19th century, or afterward. The stars of the flag, the canton, and the stripes are made of cotton-muslin. The stars are double-appliqued, and there is a narrow linen hoist, with five tiny hand sewn grommets. There are two runs of treadle stitching in the construction, one each at the fly and hoist ends. In the first white stripe, adjacent to the canton is an embroidered date, ?Dec 1896?. This probably denotes use at an important event, or presentation of the flag to another individual by the maker. Mounting: The flag has not yet been mounted. Condition: There are no significant condition issues.
Collector Level:
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 43
Earliest Date of Origin: 1890
Latest Date of Origin: 1891
State/Affiliation: Idaho
War Association: 1866-1889 Indian Wars
Price: No
 

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