Frame Size (H x L): 23.5” x 32.5”
Flag Size (H x L): 14.5” x 22.5”

Offered is a forty-six star flag printed on cotton.  The First Flag Act of 1777 specified the number of stripes and the colors of the flag, but it did not specify the dimensions, proportions, or star placements.  Because of this lack of specificity, each flag maker could place the stars however he wanted.  This freedom extended to 1912, the time at which President Taft issued Executive Order 1556, establishing the proportions of the flag, and that the stars should be placed in a rectilinear pattern.  In the case of this flag, its stars are arranged in an 8-7-8-8-8-7-8 pattern.  The stars in the first and sixth rows are consistently canted to the 1:00 position.  And in contrast, the stars in the second and fifth rows are consistently canted to the 11:00 position.  Further, the stars in the third and fourth rows alternate between being upwards and downwards, so as to tumble relative to one another.    

Despite this interesting star pattern, the most noteworthy feature of this flag is the impactful inclusion “1812” below the canton.  Each number is hand-cut from black fabric and hand-sewn into position.  This particular style of flag dates to between 1907 and 1912.  From this, we conclude that this flag was likely made, in 1912, to commemorate the one-hundred year anniversary of the War of 1812, a war commonly considered a second war of independence from Great Britain.  While we have handled this style of forty-six star flag on several occasions, we have not—and likely never will again—handle one with such an interesting hand-sewn feature and conversation piece.     

The forty-six star flag represents the inclusion of Oklahoma to the Union.  Oklahoma was admitted on November 16th, 1907, and this flag became official on July 4th, 1908.  Many Native Americans were driven to the region now known as Oklahoma—as a result of the Trail of Tears and the Indian Relocation Act—and promised that the region would forever be an Indian Territory.  The allure of the Indian Territory’s agricultural opportunities, however, was a catalyst for the passage of the Indian Appropriations Act in 1889, which opened the territory to white settlement and lead to the Land Rush.  Oklahoma became known as the Sooner State, based on the large number of settlers who illegally crossed into the state, so as to get a head start and claim the best properties. 

Presidents Teddy Roosevelt and William Taft served under served under the forty-six star flag.  While it did not become official until 1908, many examples are anticipatory in nature and date to as far back as the 1890s.  The forty-six star flag was official up until July 4th, 1912 when the forty-eight star became official and began to represent the inclusion of New Mexico and Arizona 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 stained throughout its surface, but most notably along the fly end.  This particular flag was likely rolled when it was stored, thus leaving portions of the flag almost perfectly preserved while other portions exhibit some damage.  Despite this, this flag presents wonderfully and is age appropriate.    

Collectability Level: The Great – Perfect for Rising Collectors  
Date of Origin: 1912
Number of Stars: 46
Associated State: Oklahoma