46-Star Printed American Flag, Stamped "Baltimore 1903 Saengerfest Inaugural Concert June 14"

Presented is an original 46-star American parade flag, created to celebrate the Saengerfest Inaugural Concert of June 14, 1903, held in Baltimore, Maryland. Printed on silk, the dark blue canton has 46 stars. While it features a more traditional 8/7/8/8/7/8 row pattern, the stars on the canton are printed in a "whimsical" configuration, with each star tilted at a different angle. The thirteen alternating red and white stripes that complete the flag design are stamped with the text “Baltimore / 1903 / Saengerfest / Inaugural Concert June 14.”

The 20th Triennial Saengerfest of the Northeastern Saengerbund of America took place in Baltimore, Maryland, from June 14 to June 16, 1903. This massive German-American choral festival was held at the newly constructed Fifth Regiment Armory, which was the largest music hall in Maryland at the time. The multi-day concert was a coming together of thousands of singers from across the United States, competing in a friendly rivalry for the “crown of excellence in song,” while also celebrating the influence that German song and German singers had upon musical development in the Country. 

The events began on Sunday, June 14th, with a welcome concert performed by 2,000 local Baltimore public school children. On Monday, June 15th, President Theodore Roosevelt delivered a major address to a sold-out crowd of 9,000 spectators, praising German culture, music, and the heritage of German-Americans. The rest of the festival featured a mass chorus of roughly 6,000 singers from across the country performing alongside an orchestra of 130 musicians, making it the largest orchestra ever heard in Baltimore up to that time. The performances included works and compositions by German artists like Wagner, Handel, Beethoven,  Schulz, Spiriter, Angerer, and Saar. The concert ended with the "Star Spangled Banner" performed by the great orchestra, chorus, and audience. Beyond the concerts and musical competitions, the city celebrated with extensive street decorations, a major parade featuring over a hundred German organizations and groups, and banquets across the Baltimore region. It is most likely this flag was created to wave during the large parade.

Officially, the American flag design would update every July 4th, to include any new states added to the Union in the past year. Oklahoma, the 46th state, entered the Union on November 16, 1907. As such, 46–star flags were the official flag of the United States from July 4, 1908, until July 4, 1912. However, many flag producers and individuals would create American flags with “unofficial” star counts, either in support or anticipation of more states joining the Union. 

The 46 stars on this homemade 1903 flag likely reflect the active statehood movement then underway for Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona, rather than an officially adopted 46-star flag. 

In 1902, Congress considered the Omnibus Statehood Bill, which proposed admitting the territories of Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona as states. The bill passed the House but was blocked in the Senate in March of 1903. At the same time, opposition to admitting Arizona and New Mexico separately gave rise to a proposal to combine the two territories into a single state, sometimes referred to as “Montezuma.” The idea gained significant congressional attention in 1903, but was opposed in Arizona, where residents insisted upon separate statehood. The debate continued for several years, with a joint-statehood bill eventually reaching President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906, only to be rejected by voters in the two territories later that year. The proposed admission of these territories evidently inspired some Americans to anticipate a 46-star Union flag in 1903, even though Oklahoma would not join the Union until 1907, followed by New Mexico and Arizona in 1912. This 1903-dated 46-star flag thus offers an interesting glimpse into contemporary expectations and hopes surrounding American statehood.

CONDITION:

Near fine condition. 46 star silk flag, hand-rolled edges. Flag stamped “Baltimore/1903/Saengerfest/Inaugural Concert June 14.” Royal blue canton, with white stars, in 8/7/8/8/7/8 whimsical arrangement.  The silk is in excellent condition, very few splits or pulls.  Colors remain vibrant, with only light, scattered discoloration. The gilding on the printed text has faded significantly. Unframed Dimensions: 11 1/4” H x 17 1/4” W.  

Archivally mounted in a custom-built black wooden frame with gold spandrel with UV Conservation Clear glass. 

Framed Dimensions: 21"H x 26 1/2"W x 3/4"D. 

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.