Frame Size (H x L): 40.5” x 60.5”
Flag Size (H x L): 29” x 49” 

Offered is a forty-five star flag made of glazed cotton and having a wonderful patina.  Its stars are arranged in an interesting 8-7-7-8-7-8 pattern, with the first row being offset to the left, and the fourth and sixth rows being offset to the right.  Such a pattern is in contrast to many of its forty-five star counterparts, which are often more symmetrical in nature.  We find this flag’s pattern to be quite attractive, interesting, and desirable.

The forty-five star flag represents the inclusion of Utah to the Union.  Utah was admitted on January 4th, 1896, and this flag became official on July 4th, 1896.  Presidents Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, and Teddy Roosevelt served under this flag, and the Spanish-American War was fought under it. 

In 1848 Utah became a territory of the United States, and in 1849 its constitution was established as the Mormon State of Deseret.  The next year, the State of Deseret applied to become a state, but Congress rejected the application and changed its name to the Utah Territory, which included the entirety of Nevada and portions of Colorado and Wyoming (as a section of the Missouri Compromise).  Despite its continued efforts to gain statehood, it remained a territory, partially as a result of the Mormon Church and Utah authorities being openly tolerant of polygamy.  In 1890 Utah outlawed the practice, and in 1896 Utah finally became the forty-fifth state.  The forty-five star flag was official for 12 years up until July 4th, 1908, when the forty-six star flag became official and began to represent the inclusion of Oklahoma 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 Gold Frame. 

Condition Report: This flag has heaving staining and foxing, particularly near its fly end.  It also has some minor tear and holes, some of which were used as nail holes when this flag was affixed to a staff.  Despite this, this flag is a statement piece, and many collectors prefer flags that show their use and age.

Collectability Level: The Good – Perfect for Beginning Collectors and Gifts  
Date of Origin: 1896-1907  
Number of Stars: 45
Associated War: The Spanish-American War (1898) 
Associated State: Utah