American naval flag with 42 hand sewn stars - marked on border "Patented Apr. 26th 1870". American Ensign 20-FT". Also signed in ink "T.S. Judson", probable owner. Small mostly moth holes throughout, overall good condition. 9' x 20'. History of the 42 star flag from the web site "RARE FLAGS.COM" - "......November 11, 1889, Washington State became number 42. For 243 days, the United States had 42 states, but just one day before Washington State's 42 would have become official, on July 3, 1890, Idaho entered the Union as the 43rd state. Consequently, the 42 star flag representing Washington Statehood never became official, despite having a period of 243 days with 42 states. Flag manufacturers often disregarded the "official" star count, and produced flags and sold flags that were current regardless of the official national star count."