Flags
Rare c. 1889 39-Star “Unofficial” American Flag on Pole
c. 1889, Rare 39-Star “Unofficial” American Flag, on Pole, Printed upon White Cotton Linen, Brown Cotton Outer Border, produced for North Dakota entering into the Union, Very Fine.
This rare Cotton Linen American Flag measures 17” x 16” and a 2” brown cloth outer border has been Hand stitched added at its edges. The attached original thin wooden pole it is mounted to measures about 33” long and has the unusual feature of being wrapped in the same fine brown linen strips that was added to the flag itself. Having 39-Stars, this Flag was issued at the time of North Dakota's Admission to the Union in 1889. As South Dakota was also admitted as the 40th State ON THE SAME DAY, this Flag became instantly obsolete! During this time period when new flags were commissioned to keep up with the new states, upon the 39th state to enter into the union, three other states were admitted as well. New Flags only came out every July 4th, therefore, there was No “Official” American Flag in 1889 made with 39-Stars. This “Unofficial” American Flag was likely a display Flag used at political rallies and parades during that time used in celebration. Slight fading and discoloration with scattered stains, some of the brown fabric on the wooden pole separated or lacking. Indeed, it is even more scarce being attached to its original Parade Flag style pole.