Frame Size (H x L): 30” x 40”
Flag Size (H x L): 19” x 29”

Offered is a forty-four star flag.  It is printed on cotton, and its stars are arranged in an unusual staggered 8-7-7-7-7-8 pattern.  The first row is offset completely to the left, while the second and fourth rows are offset only slightly to the left.  The third and fifth rows are offset only slightly to the right, while the sixth row is offset completely to the right.  

The forty-four star flag represents the inclusion of Wyoming to the Union. Wyoming was admitted on July 10th, 1890, and this flag became official on July 4th, 1891. Presidents Benjamin Harrison and Grover Cleveland served under this flag.

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 forty-first state, and on November 11th, 1889, Washington was admitted as the forty-second. When Congress went on break, flag makers began producing anticipatory forty-two star flags for the following July 4th, 1890.

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

The forty-four star flag is relatively rare when compared to, for example, the forty-five star flag, as a result of it being used after the Centennial, but before the Spanish American War. The forty-four star flag was the official flag for five years up until July 4th, 1896, the time at which the forty-five star flag became official and began to represent the inclusion of Utah 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 our X-Large Distressed Black with Silver Liner Frame.

Condition Report: This flag was originally attached to a staff with nails.  As a result, there are several small holes and stains surrounding them, running along the hoist edge.  There are other small holes throughout the surface of the flag, but more so through the bottom half thereof.  There is writing in pencil on the top white stripe, near the fly end.  There is fraying along the top edge, near the fly end.  Similarly, there is fraying along the bottom edge, also near the fly end.        

Collectability Level: The Good – Perfect for Beginning Collectors and Gifts
Date of Origin: 1890-1896
Number of Stars: 44
Associated War: The Indian Wars (1860-1890)
Associated State: Wyoming