48-Star American Flag, Inscribed “July 4th, 1918” on Hoist, circa 1918

This is an original 48-star American flag, celebrating Arizona statehood. 48-star American flags had a fly date of 47 years, from July 4, 1912 to July 3, 1958. This flag is inscribed with the date “July 4th, 1918” on the white hoist, indicating a possible WWI Independence Day production or display date. The flag is printed, with a dark navy canton with 48-white stars, and thirteen alternating red and white stripes. It has a machine-sewn white hoist and machine-sewn reinforced fly end. 

Prior to the introduction of the 48-star flag with the admission of New Mexico and Arizona to the Union in 1912, no legislation existed regarding the official proportions, sizes, and pattern for stars on the American flag. As a result, many Americans designed the starry canton of their homemade flags to their own whim, in medallion, spiral, and flower star configurations. Coinciding with the introduction of the 48-star flag in 1912, President William Howard Taft passed an Executive Order #1637 on June 24, 1912. The order established the official proportions of the flag and the arrangement of the stars, being six horizontal rows of eight, with each star pointing upward. This flag has this specified 8/8/8/8/8/8 starred row pattern. 

On July 4, 1918, Independence Day celebrations unfolded under the shadow of World War I. Across the United States, communities marked the day with parades, bond drives, and speeches that emphasized unity and sacrifice, often framing the holiday as a reaffirmation of democratic ideals at stake overseas. President Woodrow Wilson delivered his “Four Ends” speech at George Washington's tomb in Mount Vernon. Abroad, American Expeditionary Forces observed the day with improvised ceremonies, athletic contests, and mess-hall festivities. Parisians held a massive celebration and parade  for American troops, including the renaming of Avenue du Trocadéro to "Avenue du President Wilson" in honor of American involvement in the war. For soldiers and civilians alike, the occasion carried a heightened emotional weight, serving as a renewed declaration of purpose and commitment to national solidarity.

CONDITION:

Very good+ condition. 48-star flag. Printed stars and stripes, white hoist is machine sewn, fly end has machine sewn reinforced stitching. The hoist is inscribed “July 4th, 1918” in black ink at the middle and stamped with a large “1” at the top of the hoist. Minor losses and small holes in the dark blue canton, edges otherwise intact with staining on the hoist. Slight yellowing of the stars and stripes, but even toning throughout. Fold lines throughout from previous storage.. Dimensions: 17 ½” H x 34 ½” W.

Framed according to archival standards in a custom-built wooden frame with UV Plexiglas and acid-free mats. 

Framed Dimensions: 29 3/8" H x 46" W x 1 3/8" D.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.