19th-Century American 39-Star Silk Parade Flag

Last quarter 19th century, printed silk flag with stars in an irregular "dancing/tumbling" star orientations on a blued canton.

14 1/2 x 24 1/4 in.

Private Collection, Spencer, North Carolina

Waved at political rallies and celebrations in the 19th century, "parade flags" were printed on silk. According to vexillological history, the 39-star configuration is technically one that should not have been printed according to state/star counts. It was initially manufactured in 1876 expecting the addition of Colorado and the Dakota Territory. When only Colorado joined, the official count went to 38 stars, leaving the 39-star layout premature. Both the Dakotas were admitted on the same day, November 2, 1889, raising the count of states from 38 to 40.

Surface staining and a few scattered punctures; upper left corner with area of loss.