Frame Size (H x L): 22” x 31”
Flag Size (H x L): 12” x 21”

Offered is a forty-four star flag printed on glazed cotton.  The stars on this flag are arranged in a beautiful hourglass pattern, and exhibit various different folksy shapes.  The top and bottom rows are outwardly offset, on both sides, from the middle rows.  The result is an arrangement that looks like an hourglass.  This attractive pattern is most often seen on forty-four star flags, as this number of stars (in an 8-7-7-7-7-8 pattern) most naturally form such a shape.  The stars tumble within each row, such that every other star is in a normal position and every other star is an upside down position. 

An interesting feature of this tumbling arrangement is that the stars in the second through fifth rows appear to be arranged by columns.  For example, the first, third, fifth, and seventh columns therein only include stars that are aligned and in the normal position.  And in contrast, the second, fourth, and sixth columns therein only include stars that are aligned and in the upside down position.     

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 Large Black and Gold Frame. 

Condition Report: This flag has some very minor stains, particularly along the hoist edge.  It has an age appropriate patina and presents wonderfully. 

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