Frame Size (H x L): 12.5” x 18”
Flag Size (H x L): 6.5” x 12”

Offered is an outstanding 42 star flag and a former highlight of the Pierce Collection of American Parade Flags.  It was featured in “The Stars & Stripes: Fabric of the American Spirit” and is the only known example in existence.  It is among the best parade flags that we have ever handled.       

It is printed on silk.  Its stars are arranged in a visually striking medallion, in which there is a center star, an inner ring of stars surrounding the center star, an outer ring of stars surrounding the inner ring, and four flanking stars surrounding the outer ring.  The center star is slightly larger than the others.  The flanking stars are split, such that there is one such star in each corner of the canton.   

The flag includes the following overprint:

7th Illinois Cavalry
G.A.R.
Encampment
Camp Butler Illinois
July 4th 1889

The 7th Illinois Cavalry was organized at Camp Butler, near Springfield, Illinois in October of 1861, and it disbanded in November of 1865.  It fought in battles at Corinth, Franklin, and Nashville.  It also fought in Grierson’s Raid during the Vicksburg Campaign.  The Raid started on April 17th, 1863 and concluded on May 2nd, 1863, acting in part as a diversion during U.S. Grant’s primary attack on Vicksburg. 

The G.A.R. portion of the overprint is a reference to the Grand Army of the Republic (“GAR”).  The GAR was a fraternal organization for the veterans of the Union Army, Union Navy, and Marines who served in the Civil War.  GAR members provided support to one another and also remembered those who had fallen in battle.  It was founded in 1866, peaked in 1890 with almost 500,000 members, and dissolved in 1956 when its last member died. 

Perhaps the most interesting feature of this flag is its profile, in that it includes a V-shaped swallowtail.  Its swallowtail was inspired by those of U.S. cavalry guidons (i.e., small flags used by cavalry units to mark the flanks).  Of the antique flags that enter the market, perhaps one-in-a-thousand include a swallowtail shape at the fly end, making this flag particularly unique, desirable, and visually dramatic.    

Several years ago, a flag surfaced that was similar—but different—than the one offered herein.  Both such flags were without a doubt made by the same person.  The flag that surfaced used the same material, used the same dyes, included a similar 7th Illinois Cavalry overprint, and was a similar size.  However, the flag that surfaced had a linear 7-7-7-7-7-7 star pattern and a traditional fly end (i.e., it was straight).  Like the flag offered herein, it is the only known example. 

The 42 star flag is an oddity in that its star count was never official. 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 41st state, and on November 11th Washington was admitted as the 42nd.When Congress went on break, flag makers began producing anticipatory 42 star flags.

To the surprise of many, on July 3rd, 1890—just one day before the 42 star flag was going to be official—Congress admitted Idaho as the 43rd state. As a result, the 42 star flag never became official, but the 43 star did. Just a few days later, on July 10th, 1890, Congress admitted Wyoming as the 44th state. As a result of this rapid succession of state admissions, flag makers made large quantities of unofficial 42 star flags and official 44 star flags, but hardly any 43 star flags (despite it being an official star count).

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 flag is in an antique tiger maple frame. It dates to approximately the 1840s and is a desirable antique in and of itself.

Condition Report: There are a few small holes in the top-left and bottom-left corners, perhaps as the result of being nailed to a staff. The colors a rich, clean, and vibrant.

Collectability Level: The Best – Perfect for Advanced Collectors
Date of Origin: 1889
Number of Stars: 42
Associated War: Indian Wars (1860-1890)
Associated State: Washington