48-Star Printed American Flag, Commemorating Arizona Statehood, 1912-1958

This is an original 48-star American parade flag, celebrating Arizona statehood. A wonderful product of our nation's early history, this flag is an authentic antique, with a fly date of 47 years, from July 4, 1912 to July 3, 1958. 

Prior to the introduction of the 48-star flag with the admission of New Mexico and Arizona to the Union in 1912, no legislation existed regarding the official proportions, sizes, and pattern for stars on the American flag. As a result, many Americans designed the starry canton of their homemade flags to their own whim, in medallion, spiral, and flower star configurations. Coinciding with the introduction of the 48 star flag in 1912, President William Howard Taft passed an Executive Order #1637 on June 24, 1912. The order established the official proportions of the flag and the arrangement of the stars, being six horizontal rows of eight, with each star pointing upward. This flag has an 8/8/8/8/8/8 starred row pattern. 

This flag parade flag is also known as a “flag waver” because of the fact that it normally was sold or given out at patriotic events and waved. This flag would have been attached to a small, round stick, which is no longer present. Parade flags differ from typical pieced-and-sewn flags in that they were not often manufactured to survive long periods being flown from a flag staff.  They were often intended to be used for a particular event and then discarded. As such, finding and collecting early parade flags, or even later parade flags with unique star patterns, can be a fun endeavor for any serious Americana collector. 

CONDITION:

This flag is printed and in good condition, considering age and past use. Printed color remains intact and vibrant. Creases to fabric, toning and scattered very light stains. Hoist end has been removed from the original waver stick. A series of small attachment holes and rust stains remain, from where the stick was once attached. Unframed dimensions: 7 3/4” H x 11 3/4” W.

Flag has been archivally mounted and framed in a custom built black wooden frame with beaded gold spandrel, acid-free black mats, and UV archival glass.

Framed Dimensions: 12 1/2" H x 16 1/2" W x 1 1/2" D.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.