Antique, Rare 42 Star Flag Circa 1890 for Sale

On eBay Now...

Antique, Rare 42 Star Flag Circa 1890 For Sale

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Antique, Rare 42 Star Flag Circa 1890:
$175.00

Up for sale isan authentic42 star Flag. Circa 1890

42 Tilted stars. Printed on cotton.
Measures 17" Long x 12" High.
Condition.Some dirt marks and wrinkles that can be gently ironed out. Some of the red stripes have bled a little into the white. All can be seen in the photos.Otherwise the colors are great and the flag displays well. Shows age.Please refer to photos for condition.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, 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 four stars, accordingly, to the 38 star flag that was previously official. 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 Independence Day 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. On many occasions, particularly in the last quarter of the 19th century and the first decade of the 20th century, flag-makers would speculate the number of states that were going to be added and add the stars before they were official. It was for this precise reason that 42 was never an official star count. 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.
Shipping:I will pack your flag safely and ship USPS First class mail.
It is important to me that you are happy with your purchase!I try my best to describe items honestly and provide many photos.I will answer any questions. Feel freetoo ask before offerding.
Thank You for viewing my listings, Best Wishes to All.