Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  42 CANTED STARS, NEVER AN OFFICIAL STAR COUNT, 1889-1890, WASHINGTON STATEHOOD

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): Approx. 26" x 34"
Flag Size (H x L): 15.75" x 24"
Description....:
42 star American parade flag, printed on plain weave cotton. Note how the stars, which are arranged in a rectilinear fashion, are canted at a uniform angle in the 11:00 position. This is a particularly unusual style among surviving 42 star examples.

The 42 star flag is interesting from a historical perspective, both because 42 was never an official star count, and because 42 star flags were only produced for about 8 months (November, 1889 – July 4th, 1890). The flag represents the addition of the Dakotas, Montana and Washington State, between November 2nd and November 11th, 1889. The 42nd state was officially Washington, but the four states gained their statehood only nine days apart, and flag makers added 4 stars, accordingly, to the count of 38 that was official at the time.

After 1818, star counts became official on the 4th of July each year. A new star was therefore officially added on Independence Day for every state that had been added over the preceding “flag year”. Flag makers, however, did not wait for July 4th and official star counts. Flag production was a competitive industry and no one wanted to be making 38 star flags, for example, when their competitors were making 42 star examples and there were 42 states.

Idaho joined the Union on July 3rd, 1890, taking the star count to 43 just one day before 42 would have become the official number. This fact makes 42 star flags an interesting part of our heritage and a classic display of American capitalism.

Mounting: The flag was mounted and framed within our own conservation department, which is led by expert staff. We take great care in the mounting and presentation of flags and have preserved thousands of examples.

The background is 100% cotton twill, black in color. The scooped profile molding has a very dark brown surface, almost black, with red undertones and highlights. To this a flat profile molding with a finish like old gunmetal was added as a liner. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass. Feel free to contact us for more details.

Condition: There is a small nick in the last stripe near the hoist end. There is a small stain in the 4th white stripe, near the center and there is very minor age toning. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 42
Earliest Date of Origin: 1889
Latest Date of Origin: 1890
State/Affiliation: Washington
War Association: 1866-1890 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

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