Frame Size (H x L): 21” x 26”
Flag Size (H x L): 12” x 17”

Offered is a forty-six star flag printed on cotton fabric with a light blue canton and deep red stripes. The stars are arranged in an 8-7-8-8-8-7-8 pattern. The stars in the first and fifth rows are canted to the 11:00 position. The stars in the second and sixth rows are canted randomly. And the stars in the third and fourth rows are canted, wherein half of the stars are in the up position and the other half are in the upside down position. The stars in these two rows are packed tightly, such that they dovetail into one another. The result of this arrangement tends to create a spiral like pattern when viewed from the center of the canton and moving outwards. The combination of all of these features creates an attractive, folksy design—particularly in view of the bottom red stripe being wider than the others.

The forty-six star flag represents the inclusion of Oklahoma to the Union. Oklahoma was admitted on November 16th, 1907, and this flag became official on July 4th, 1908. Many Native Americans were driven to the region now known as Oklahoma—as a result of the Trail of Tears and the Indian Relocation Act—and promised that the region would forever be an Indian Territory. The allure of the Indian Territory’s agricultural opportunities, however, was a catalyst for the passage of the Indian Appropriations Act in 1889, which opened the territory to white settlement and lead to the Land Rush. Oklahoma became known as the Sooner State, based on the large number of settlers who illegally crossed into the state, so as to get a head start and claim the best properties.

Presidents Teddy Roosevelt and William Taft served under served under the forty-six star flag. While it did not become official until 1908, many examples are anticipatory in nature and date to as far back as the 1890s. The forty-six star flag was official up until July 4th, 1912 when the forty-eight star became official and began to represent the inclusion of New Mexico and Arizona in the Union.

Conservation Process: This flag was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board. To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the flag, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash. The flag is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: This offering is in a two-part black frame. The outer portion is black. The inner portion is also black, but with a touch of silver.

Condition Report: There is a light brown stain to the right of the canton. In other respects, it is essentially flawless.

Collectability Level: The Good – Perfect for Beginning Collectors and Gifts
Date of Origin: 1907-1912
Number of Stars: 46
Associated State: Oklahoma