Frame Size (H x L): 20” x 25.5”
Flag Size (H x L): 11” x 17”

Offered is an extraordinary forty-star parade flag, dating to 1889 and recently found in an antique store intermingled with World War II posters. There are thought to be approximately forty to fifty flags of this star count, nearly all of which have stars arranged linearly. In contrast, the stars of this flag are arranged in a medallion. Its medallion includes a center star, an inner ring of five stars, a middle ring of ten stars, and an outer ring of twenty stars. Four flanking stars surround the outer ring. The stars are all the same size. Of the known forty-star flags, this specific flag is unique in our experience and likely the only remaining example.

Medallion pattern flags date to at least as early as the twenty-six star flag, and at least as late as the forty-eight star flag. The majority of medallion pattern flags, however, date to between 1861 and 1876. Beginning in the 1890s, medallion patterns became less common, and linear arrangements became the norm. Why this occurred is unclear, as flag makers had the freedom to place the stars however they liked until 1912.

In addition to this flag’s unusual pattern, it also includes the following unusual overprint:

FAME COUNCIL,
-No. 10,-
Jr. O.U.A.M.

“Jr. O.U.A.M.” is a reference to the Junior Order of United American Mechanics (“Jr. OUAM”). The Order of United American Mechanics (“OUAM”) was founded in 1845 in Philadelphia. The OUAM was focused on fighting increased labor pressures. The term “Mechanic” was a reference to building one’s self, rather than a reference to the occupation of the members. The Jr. OUAM began as a youth affiliation of the OUAM in 1853, but it seceded in 1885 to become its own organization and later absorbed its parent. Fame Council No. 10 was based in Roxborough, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

J.H. Wilson Company manufactured this flag. It was located at 928 Arch Street in Philadelphia, and it made a variety of military and patriotic related items, including swords, belts, helmets, caps, drums, buttons, gloves, and banners.

J.H. Wilson Company describes flags of this general style as memorial flags of the best quality for decorating graves. They could be ordered with overprints, including custom overprints related to the Grand Army of the Republic (“GAR”). The custom overprints were available in two styles. The first style included custom overprint options in the canton, while the second style included custom overprint options across the stripes. The first and second styles were available in a smaller size of 9” by 15” and a larger size of 12” x 18”. The J.H. Wilson Company also provided the following information in its marketing brochure:

These flags are made of the best heavy muslin, printed in solid OIL COLORS, and are of the best quality and finish throughout.

We mount them on 36-inch solid sticks, which will not warp or break as is the case with the common “split” sticks usually furnished.

In order that the water-proof colors may have ample time to become thoroughly dry, we would request committees to place orders at once, and we will deliver flags when needed.

This flag is shown in a reverse mount orientation. A reverse mount is one in which the canton of a US flag is positioned in the upper-right corner. Current flag ethics state that the canton should always be placed in the upper-left, but such a requirement did not exist in the 19th century. Thus, flags like this one, were manufactured in a manner that appears backwards to today’s viewers.

In 1889, the Dakota Territory was split it into two states: North Dakota and South Dakota, and they were both admitted on November 2nd, 1889. Just six days later, on November 8th, 1889 Montana was admitted as the forty-first state (making the forty-star flag almost immediately obsolete). And then, just three days later, on November 11th, 1889, Washington was admitted as the forty-second states (making the forty-one star flag almost immediately obsolete). As a result of this rapid succession of state admissions, flag makers made large quantities of forty-two star flags, but hardly any forty or forty-one star flags. In fact, there are only a few known examples of printed forty-star flags in circulation, and thus they are very desirable to even the most advanced of collectors.

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 Conservation Clear Acrylic (standard) or behind Optium Museum Acrylic (per request).

Frame: This offering is in special edition Medium Frame.

Condition Report: As shown in the images, this flag exhibits some slight fading and light toning, but generally is in excellent condition.

Collectability Level: The Best – Perfect for Advanced Collectors
Date of Origin: 1889
Number of Stars: 40
Associated War: Indian Wars (1860-1890)
Associated State: South Dakota