This noteworthy flag was typical of the size displayed in classrooms and carried in parades by children in the early 20th century. Many individuals also had them in their homes for use on patriotic occasions, although the flag would have been too fragile to fly outside for any period of time. Silk, long used for making flags, ceased to be commercially viable following the Second World War and is now rarely employed in flag-making.
The 48-star flag was used longer as the Stars and Stripes than any other star pattern in American history. When New Mexico and Arizona joined the Union, they were represented by two new stars, added to the flag in 1912. Alaska became a state in 1959 and this design was replaced by the 49-star flag that year. The 48-star flag was familiar to Americans during World War I, the Depression, and World War II.
circa 1912 circa 1940
good condition; small missing piece from upper canton
silk; machine-stitched
No description
