Antique 45 Star American Flag 9 feet by 4.75 feet

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The United States Flag was first authorized by Congress on June 14, 1777 , and is the third oldest of the National Standards of the world. It has a star and a stripe for each state, and the original flag had thirteen stars and thirteen stripes, one for each of the original thirteen colonies. The star symbolized dominion and sovereignty as well as lofty aspirations. The constellation of the stars within the union, one star for each state, is a symbol of the Constitution. The colors of the flag are symbolic also: red is for hardiness and valor, white for purity and innocence and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice. Several acts were passed by the United States Congress between 1777 and 1960 allowing additional stars and stripes to be added to the flag as each state was admitted to the Union . The act of April 4, 1818 , provided for 13 stripes along with one star for each state, to be added to the flag on the 4th. of July following the admission of each new state. This act was signed by President James Monroe. The Flag of the United States of America is unique in that i t is not the Flag of a reigning family or royal house, but of free people united by interest and unity of sentiment and purpose. The 45 star flag became the official United States flag on July 4th, 1896 , when Utah was admitted to the United States . It was used until 1908. The flag offered for auction measures 9' x 4.75' and has the name Dr. Alvord hand lettered on the reverse side of the flag, beneath the field of stars, near the bottom grommet. Above the name, in the same hand lettering, it reads "Young." The colors are quite bright for a flag that is at least 100 years old. The field of stars measures 4/1/4' x 2.66', and each star measures 2.75" tip to tip. The stars appear on both the front and the back of the flag. The Border that holds the grommets is 1.5" wide, and t are 2 brass grommets, one at the top and one at the bottom of the flag. This flag has the appearance of being sewn on an early sewing machine, as the lines are not quite straight and sewing appears crude but not hand done. I have tried to show this in my pictures. The material appears to be cotton, or perhaps a cotton-muslin blend of some sort. T are several splits and small holes, but none to really detract from the look of the flag itself. It has the appearance of being used but cared for lovingly. Perhaps the flag was made by someone named Young for Dr. Alvord. I really have no way of knowing. I have researched Dr. Alvord during the period 1896 to 1908 and have found a listing for a Professor Alvord who began his academic career in Massachusetts as an instructor at the Milton Academy, 1891-1893, and who taught at the Prep School, University of Illinois, from 1897-1901. He became an instructor of history, 1901-1906; associate, 1904-1907; assistant professor, 1907-1909; associate professor, 1909-1913; and professor, 1913-1920, at the University of Illinois . In 1920 he accepted a professorship at the University of Minnesota . He was a founder of the Mississippi Valley Historical Association. From 1906 through 1920 he was General Editor , Illinois Historical Collections, and from 1913 to 1923, managing editor of the Mississippi Valley Historical Review . He was editor-in-chief of the Illinois Centennial History and director of the Illinois Historical Survey, University of Illinois . He was recognized on both sides of the Atlantic for his contributions to historical scholarship. While I cannot be sure that this is the same Dr. Alvord who owned this flag, from this research it is tempting to believe that he was. Please note: Photographic color reproduction cannot be guaranteed and although I will always do my best to ensure that the pictures give an accurate and faithful lifelike representation, factors such as ambient light, flash and indoor/outdoor photography can sometimes result in subtle differences. The eBay picture system can also affect the colors, as can the calibration on a viewers computer monitor. Di... read more

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