***** Rare 39 Star American Flag circa 1889 for Sale

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***** Rare 39 Star American Flag circa 1889 For Sale

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***** Rare 39 Star American Flag circa 1889:
$3100.00

Rare 39 Star American Parade Flag, Framed and Ready to Display!
Truly Stunning. Doesn’t get better than this one, this is the perfect wall hanger and pictures don't do it justice. A Rare 39 Star American Stick (Parade) Flag with the perfect display size of 12” x 17”, unusual downward facing stars, with lots of weathering, fraying, patina and fading showing every minute of its history. Professionally mounted in a beautiful custom frame with linen mats, gold filets and a 2 ½” width metallic wood frame with anti UV plexiglass. Flag is printed on coarse glazed cotton and the original wooden staff has been removed.
The 39 Star flag dates to 1889 and is considered rare and an “unofficial” flag as they were created in expectation that North Dakota would be added as a new state separately on November 2, 1889, but in fact North Dakota and South Dakota were both added to the Union on that same day, thus making the new official flag the 40 Star flag and making any existing stock of 39 Star flags obsolete.Interestingly, the 40 Star flag was official for a mere 6 days until Montana was added on November 8, 1889. The 41 Star Montana flag was then official for 3 days until on November 11, 1889, Washington was added to the Union making the new official flag the 42 Star version.
This flag features a 7 / 6 / 7 / 6 / 7 / 6 star pattern on the canton with the 39 five-pointed white stars positioned downwards in an unusual fashion. This unusual positioning was not always uncommon on early flags as Congress had yet to standardize the star placement.
Printed Stick (Parade) Flags: Parade flags are typically smaller-sized flags affixed to sticks to be used and waved when marching in parades or observing parades or other patriotic events. They are a unique part of American history and were not designed or made to survive long periods being used and were many times used and then discarded. The cotton material used for parade flags is thin and brittle, with the paint applied to them serving to keep the threads together and preserving the material to an extent.
Condition: Overall this flag is in good, conserved, display condition but there is major pigment loss to the red stripes throughout, soiling and water stains. There is also fabric loss along the top and rights edges (see photos) and several small separations along the left half of the flag where the stick became detached. Flag also has small wear holes throughout the canton that attest to its continuous use over many years. Personally, I think this is a terrific display item due to its rarity and as it shows its wear and age in a very refined and elegant fashion. It will attract attention and discussion wherever its displayed. Flag has been professionally mounted in a tasteful and classic manner which highlights its age due to fading and use. Unfortunately, pictures do not do this justice. It is truly a stunning piece and very unusual with its muted colors due to fading. It is almost a work of art in itself.
Total outside frame measurements are 27” x 34.5”. Will be shipped fully insured and requiring receipient signature.
Please excuse the ghost images in some of the photos. It is a very difficult thing to photograph without getting glare or reflections.