Frame Size (H x L): 24” x 32.5”
Flag Size (H x L): 14” x 22.5”   

Offered is a Whipple flag printed on cotton, and dating to between 1909 and 1912.  Because the First Flag Act of 1777 did not specify an official star pattern, early flag makers were free to place the stars however they wished.  It was not until 1912 that an official star pattern was adopted via Executive Order 1556. 

In the years leading up to this Executive Order, many designs were considered for official adoption, one of the most famous of which was designed by Wayne Whipple of Philadelphia.  Whipple’s design includes thirteen center stars in the shape of a great star.  The thirteen center stars represent the original thirteen states admitted to the Union.  An inner ring of twenty-five stars surrounds the center stars, and it represent the states added to the Union between 1776 and 1876.  An outer ring of ten stars surrounds the inner ring, and it represent the states added to the Union after 1876.  Whipple purposely left large gaps in the outer ring, so that additional stars could be added thereto, as additional states entered the Union. 

Whipple submitted his design to a national contest and referred to it as the “Whipple Peace Flag,” in reference to the peaceful times preceding World War I.  Despite his design being selected as the winner out of over 500 entries and even President Taft’s interest in his design, the War Department instead specified that the star arrangement on forty-eight star flags should be a rectilinear 8-8-8-8-8-8 pattern.  As result, in 1912, President Taft issued Executive Order 1556, and thus established the rectilinear star placement and proportions of the flag.  Because of this alternative adoption, surviving examples of flags and pennants, showcasing the Whipple pattern, are extremely rare and desirable. 

The forty-eight star flag represents the inclusion of New Mexico and Arizona to the Union.  New Mexico was admitted on January 6th, 1912, and Arizona was admitted on February 14th, 1912.  The forty-eight star flag became official on July 4th, 1912.  Presidents Taft, Wilson, Harding, Coolidge, Hoover, Roosevelt, Truman, and Eisenhower all served under this flag.  World Wars I and II, and the Korean War were all fought under it. 

The forty-eight star flag was official for forty-seven years up until July 4th, 1959, the time at which the forty-nine star flag became official and began to represent the inclusion of Alaska 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: The canton of this flag is faded, but its stripes are deep red.  There is yellow toning across most of the flag, but is most noticeable on the white stripes.  There is some minor staining across the bottom white stripes, though this staining is less noticeable in person than in the photographs.  Overall, this flag is age appropriate in appearance and very attractive.   

Collectability Level: The Best – Perfect for Advanced Collectors
Date of Origin: 1909-1912  
Number of Stars: 48
Associated State: Arizona