Price: Call 618-553-2291, or email info@bonsellamericana.com
Frame Size (H x L): 37” x 47.75” 
Flag Size (H x L): 26” x 36.75”

Offered is an exceptionally rare 47 star antique flag—and a handmade example, to boot.  

The scarcity of 47 star flags is largely due to the brief period during which this star count was accurate, spanning from the addition of New Mexico as the 47^th state on January 6^th, 1912, to the admission of Arizona as the 48^th state on February 14^th of the same year. This window of merely 38 days provided a very limited timeframe for the production and distribution of these flags. Furthermore, these flags never achieved official status because of the stipulations set forth by the Third Flag Act of 1818, which declared that the official flag would only be updated to include new states on the 4^th of July each year. Consequently, because Arizona was admitted before the subsequent Independence Day following New Mexico's statehood, the official star count transitioned directly from 46 to 48, bypassing the 47 star version entirely.

Manufacturers of the time, aware that Arizona's statehood was forthcoming and would shortly follow New Mexico's, likely chose not to produce the 47 star flag to avoid the issue of surplus stock. This was compounded by the fact that by 1912, flag-making had largely transitioned from a homemade craft to an industrial process, making homemade 47 star flags exceedingly scarce since they would have been made based on the individual maker's initiative within an incredibly narrow window.

The speculated anticipation that Arizona and New Mexico might be admitted as a single state further contributed to the scarcity of the 47 star flag. If this had occurred, the 47 star configuration would have been entirely skipped, making any flags produced with this count not just rare, but unnecessary. These factors combined to make the 47 star flag an uncommon historical footnote and a prized item for collectors due to its scarcity and unique place in the story of the American flag's evolution.

Referring back to the flag at hand, its stars are arranged in an 8-8-8-8-8-7 pattern. The stars in the first five rows are generally, but not perfectly, aligned in columns. The stars in the sixth row are centered between the stars in the first five rows. The stars are hand-cut and chunkily shaped. Such stars are sometimes referred to as akimbo stars (i.e., akin to the human "akimbo" posture, where hands are placed on the waist with elbows turned outward).      

New Mexico Statehood
New Mexico's journey to statehood was a lengthy and complex process, deeply embedded in the broader narratives of American territorial expansion, cultural integration, and political negotiation. Initially, the region was inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years before becoming part of the Spanish Empire in the 16^th century. The territory then came under Mexican rule following Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821. The Mexican-American War, which concluded in 1848 with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, transferred New Mexico to the United States, marking the beginning of its period as a U.S. territory. This era ushered in a new phase of coexistence and conflict among the Native American inhabitants, Hispanic settlers, and Anglo-American newcomers.

During the territorial period, New Mexico experienced significant economic and social transformations. The establishment of the Santa Fe Trail facilitated economic growth, while the U.S. Civil War highlighted the territory's strategic importance. Despite an early interest in joining the Union, New Mexico's bid for statehood faced obstacles. Concerns over the territory's cultural diversity, religious differences, and the political implications of admitting a new state played into the national debate over the balance between free and slave states.

It was not until January 6^th, 1912, that New Mexico was admitted as the 47^th state of the United States, following decades of negotiation and reassurances about the rights and integration of its diverse population. This admission reflected the culmination of a complex interplay of historical, cultural, and political factors, showcasing the challenges and opportunities associated with bringing such a unique region into the fold of the United States.

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 modern black frame. Portions of its profile are smooth; other portions are rippled.

Condition Report: There is staining and foxing throughout. Some stars are generally white, while others are somewhat yellow. There is some fading, forming a pair of stripes extending generally at a 45-degree angle, starting from the canton. Despite these issues, this flag displays wonderfully and looks great.   

Collectability Level: The Extraordinary – Museum Quality Offerings
Date of Origin: 1912  
Number of Stars: 47
Associated State: New Mexico