42-Star American Parade Flag, Commemorating Washington Statehood, 1889

This is an uncommon 42-star flag, commemorating the addition of the state of Washington to the Union. The flag dates to 1889-1890, and is printed on cotton. The canton consists of seven rows of six stars, stacked in an unusual, shifted star pattern. The stars were most likely clamp-dyed. The flag design is completed with 13 alternating red and white stripes, each stripe representing one of the original thirteen colonies.

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 8 months, from November 1889 to July 4, 1890. The flag represents the addition of the Dakotas, Montana, and Washington, between November 2 and November 11, 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 previously official 38 star flag.

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. 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 3, 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.

CONDITION:

Near fine condition. 42 star flag. Stars arranged in 7 rows of 6 stars. Printed on cotton. Light staining, along the bottom stripe. Even toning to white stripes and stars. Red and blue very bright. Cut edges, not sewn. Uneven edges, with small strips of white stripe showing on top and bottom. Small nail holes along the hoist edge, from past attachment to a waver stick. Faint creases to flag from past storage. Flag Dimensions: 18 1/2 x 24 in. 

Flag has been archivally presented, mounted on dark fabric in a custom-built leather-wrapped wooden frame with gold spandrel and UV plexiglas.

Framed Dimensions: 28 3/8"H x 32 7/8"W x 2"D. 

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.