This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/31/2005.
Prior to 1912, there were no standard flag sizes. This 12" x 17" American flag with 39 stars dates to 1889, for the admission of North Dakota. It would only have produced for a short time, as the next "official" flag would be "released" on July 4, 1890, with 43 stars (Idaho) and the next "unofficial" flag with 40 stars (South Dakota) would have been made immediately following this one, as both states were admitted on November 2, 1889. The flag is made of block printed cotton, single stitched on three sides with the star pattern on the canton being of the rarest variety, that approaching strict geometric order. The flag is in overall EXMT condition with minor soiling on the lower half and left edge, and has been framed to 19" x 23".