19th Century Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

15 Star antique American flag with an extremely rare “circle-star” version of the great star pattern and a complement of 13 stripes; made during the 1st quarter of the 20th century t...

43 Star Antique American Flag Reflecting Idaho Statehood, One of the Rarest Star Counts Among Surviving American Flags of the 19th Century; A Masterpiece of Early Flag-making with an Exceptional Starburst Medallion Configuration, Circa 1890: Numerous flags appeared with unofficial star counts in early America, some of them produced by flag-makers in large quantity in anticipation of the addition of more states. Interestingly enough, other flags were officially adopted by the United States Congress, but for all practical purposes were never produced. Among these is the 43 star flag, which reflects the addition of Idaho. A tiny handful of flags with this star count are known, but they are among the most rare of all examples throughout American history. To understand why, one may turn back the clock to the 1876 and examine flag production from that year until the addition of the 44th state. After the Flag Act of 1818, the official “flag year” began every July 4th. So on Independence Day, all states having been added to the Union over the previous year were officially given a star. Makers of flags, however, did not wait for July 4th and official star counts. Flag-making was a competitive industry and many manufacturers added stars before new states were actually added, wishing to create a reason for consumers to buy new flags and one-up each other in sales. In 1876 the 37 star flag was official, but on August 1st we received our 38th state. Many flag-makers abandoned the 37 star flag when production began for the Centennial International Exposition, a six-month long World's Fair held in Philadelphia as the first of its kind in America, which served as the nucleus for celebrations of our 100-year anniversary of independence from Britain. In that year 38 stars was a common choice, but other flag-makers actually skipped past 38 all-together, choosing to instead produce 39 star flags, anticipating the addition of the Dakota Territory as one state. Seeing that Dakota wasn't coming, production after 1876 seems to have reverted to the 38 star count. Then in 1889, thirteen years later, 39 star flags were once again manufactured with the anticipation of Dakota's statehood. On November 2nd of that year, a surprise was lay in store for the makers of 39 star flags, when the Dakotas arrived as two different states, which forever rendered 39 star flags both inaccurate and unofficial. Just a few days later, on November 8th, Montana entered the Union as the 41st state, followed by Washington State as number 42 just three days hence on November 11th. 40 star flags were made in limited quantity, reflecting the Dakotas entry. This count is extremely scarce, but not exceptionally rare. Perhaps this is because some flag-makers anticipated the number correctly, and so some of the 40's are anticipatory flags. 41 star flags...

"Presented is a 37-Star American Flag, commemorating Nebraska statehood, circa 1867. The flag is printed on silk with a whimsical star pattern. The stars are configured in a 6-6-6-7-6-6 pattern on the royal blue canton. Thirteen red and white alternating stripes complete the design. This 37-star American flag celebrates Nebraska statehood. Nebraska was the 37th state to be admitted into the Union in July of 1867. On March 1, 1867, President Andrew Jackson signed...

"IMPERIAL POWDER" GUNPOWDER TIN, EUREKA POWDER COMPANY, DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE, CA 1853-70 Eureka Powder Works gunpowder tin with "Imperial Powder" brand...

Canadian version of the British red ensign, a parade flag on its original staff, 1873-1905. Canadian version parade flag, printed on cotton, in the design used between 1873 and 19...

44 star American national flag, made in the period between 1890 and 1896. The stars are arranged in staggered lineal rows of eight-seven-eight, followed by three zigzagging rows with...