Frame Size (H x L): 25” x 20.25”
Flag Size (H x L): 17” x 12”

Offered is a 42 star flag made of cotton. The stars are positioned in a 7-7-7-7-7-7 pattern. When viewed horizontally, the stars in the first, third, and fifth rows are canted to the 1:00 position. And in contrast, the stars in the second, fourth, and sixth rows are interestingly canted to the 11:00 position. The inner six stars define an inner box, a middle box surrounds the inner box, and an outer box surrounds the middle box. This is referred to as a rectangular box-in-a-box-in-a-box star arrangement.

The 42 star flag is an oddity in that its star count was never official. In 1889, Congress considered adding the Dakota Territory as a single state. What happened, however, was that the Dakota Territory was split it into two states: North Dakota and South Dakota, and they were both admitted on November 2nd, 1889. Soon thereafter, on November 8th, 1889 Montana was admitted as the 41st state, and on November 11th Washington was admitted as the 42nd. When Congress went on break, flag makers began producing anticipatory 42 star flags.

To the surprise of many, on July 3rd, 1890—just one day before the 42 star flag was going to be official—Congress admitted Idaho as the 43rd state. As a result, the 42 star flag never became official, but the 43 star did. Just a few days later, on July 10th, 1890, Congress admitted Wyoming as the 44th state. As a result of this rapid succession of state admissions, flag makers made large quantities of unofficial 42 star flags and official 44 star flags, but hardly any 43 star flags (despite it being an official star count).

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 flag is in an multitiered frame with an outer walnut layer and an inner gilded layer. It dates to between 1860 and 1890.

Condition Report: There is minor foxing and staining throughout the surface of the flag.

Collectability Level: The Good – Perfect for Beginning Collectors and Gifts
Date of Origin: 1889-1890
Number of Stars: 42
Associated War: Indian Wars (1860-1890)
Associated State: Washington