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  42 STARS IN A WAVE CONFIGURATION OF LINEAL COLUMNS, NEVER AN OFFICIAL STAR COUNT, 1889-1890, WASHINGTON STATEHOOD

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 29" x 35"
Flag Size (H x L): 18" x 24.25"
Description....:
42 star American parade flag, printed on cotton. This interesting star pattern is called a “wave” configuration. Note how the stars are arranged in columns, and the columns are offset at alternating heights.

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 making was a competitive industry, and no one wanted to be making 38 star flags, for example, when their competitors were making 42 star flags and there were 42 states. Idaho received statehood 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 has been hand-stitched to a background of 100% hemp fabric. It was then placed in a substantial, contemporary burled molding with a convex profile. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: There is minor to moderate oxidation, the most significant of which is in the 3rd and 4th white stripes. There is a scattering of tiny stains and pinprick-sized holes along the hoist end at the top corner, plus a tiny stain at the beginning of the 4th stripe. 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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