Description:

42-STAR FLAG FROM THE 1896 REPUBLICAN CONVENTION
Unusual clamp-dyed linen American flag, 47" x 30", with 42 stars in the canton, indicating manufacture in 1890. The 42-star flag was rendered instantly obsolete by the simultaneous admission of Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Washington, and as such is considered unofficial. The flag bears an ink inscription that adds a further layer of curiosity, in full: "This flag was one of 12 that hung over the speaker''s stand in the auditorium in St. Louis, MO, during the Republican National Convention June 16 to 19th 1896. Compliments of J. Anthony Gorman decorator to O. J. Macauley". By June of 1896, the 44-star flag would have been current, making the use of an unofficial 42-star flag for this national political event very unusual. However, the 1896 Republican National Convention was held in a temporary wooden event hall, as necessary repairs to the St. Louis Exposition and Music Hall could not be completed on time. The hall was built in 60 days, and was demolished immediately after the convention. The slapdash nature of the preparations for the convention perhaps makes it less strange that such an unusual, obsolete flag would be displayed in a position of such prominence. Very good.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipments are sent via USPS Priority, USPS International Priority, DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

May 9, 2017 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000