Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original 45-star United States national flag dating from the Spanish-American War era, constructed from multi-piece wool bunting with individually sewn white canvas stars and measuring an impressive 51 x 88”. The 45-star flag was the official U.S. flag from July 4, 1896 through July 3, 1908, a remarkably eventful period that encompassed the Spanish-American War, the Philippine-American War, the Boxer Rebellion, the presidency of William McKinley, the rise of Theodore Roosevelt, and the emergence of the United States as a major world power. With its large size, genuine wool construction, sewn stars, heavily aged surface, and obvious evidence of long use, this is an evocative American flag from the period when U.S. forces fought in Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and China.

The 45th star represented Utah, which was admitted to the Union as the 45th state on January 4, 1896. Under the traditional system for updating the national flag, the new 45-star design officially went into use on the following Independence Day:

July 4, 1896

It remained the official flag for almost twelve years.

That lengthy period makes the 45-star flag particularly significant to collectors because it was the national banner carried throughout the Spanish-American War of 1898.

The war began amid growing tensions between Spain and the United States over Cuba and following the destruction of USS Maine in Havana Harbor. American forces subsequently fought Spanish troops in Cuba and Puerto Rico, while naval operations extended across the Atlantic and Pacific.

The conflict produced some of the most famous episodes in turn-of-the-century American military history, including Commodore George Dewey’s victory at Manila Bay, the fighting around San Juan Hill and Kettle Hill, and the destruction of the Spanish Caribbean Squadron at Santiago de Cuba.

The war was brief, but its consequences were enormous. Spain relinquished control of Cuba and ceded Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States. The 45-star flag therefore represents the period in which the United States moved decisively beyond its continental borders and emerged as an increasingly influential naval and military power.

The same flag remained current during the subsequent Philippine-American War, when U.S. forces fought a prolonged and difficult campaign in the Philippines.

It was also the national flag during the China Relief Expedition of 1900, when American soldiers and Marines joined an international force responding to the Boxer Rebellion.

This example measures approximately:

51 x 88”

The flag body is constructed from multi-piece wool bunting, while the stars are individually sewn from white canvas.

The hoist is fitted with a:

white canvas header with grommets

No manufacturer markings are visible on the header.

There is, however, a handwritten inscription reading:

NY 879

The meaning of this marking has not been confirmed. It may represent an inventory, organizational, rack, or other identification number, but without additional provenance we do not want to assign a specific interpretation.

Along the upper edge is an additional stitched strip of fabric. This appears to have been added either as reinforcement or to make the flag easier to hang. Its precise date and purpose are unknown.

The flag is well worn and shows the substantial age expected of a textile more than a century old.

There is material loss in several areas, together with tears and fraying along portions of the edges.

The wool body has numerous holes resulting from age, use, and deterioration.

The colors have also faded substantially over time, giving the flag an attractive muted appearance consistent with its age.

The canvas header itself shows heavy wear.

Despite these condition issues, the large size and surviving 45-star canton give the flag excellent display presence. Considering the fragile nature of old wool bunting, professional framing or conservation mounting would likely offer the best combination of presentation and long term preservation.

The chronological endpoint of the 45-star flag is also interesting. Oklahoma became the 46th state on November 16, 1907, but the official flag did not change immediately. Under the traditional practice, the new 46-star flag became official on the next July 4th, so the 45-star flag remained the national standard through:

July 3, 1908

The following day, July 4, 1908, the 46-star flag became official.

This nearly twelve-year period places the flag squarely within one of the most transformational eras in American history. When the 45-star flag was introduced, the United States was still primarily thought of as a continental power. By the time it was replaced, American naval forces operated across the Pacific, the United States controlled overseas territories, construction of the Panama Canal was underway, and Theodore Roosevelt’s Great White Fleet was demonstrating American naval power around the world.

That history gives surviving 45-star flags a particularly strong visual and historical association with the Spanish-American War and the emergence of the modern United States.

This example is far from pristine, but that is also much of its appeal. The faded wool, worn header, frayed edges, holes, repairs, handwritten NY 879 marking, and added upper reinforcement give it the character of an old flag that was actually handled, displayed, and used rather than stored untouched. With its 51 x 88” size, sewn canvas stars, wool construction, and direct association with the Spanish-American War era, it would make an impressive addition to an American flag, Spanish-American War, Philippine-American War, Theodore Roosevelt era, or turn-of-the-century U.S. history collection.

Honoring and Displaying the Flag

Congress adopted what became known as the U.S. Flag Code in 1942. Among its general display principles, members of the armed services and veterans traditionally stand at attention and salute when the flag passes in parade or is raised or lowered, while civilians place the right hand over the heart.

When displayed vertically or horizontally against a wall, the union should appear at the observer’s left. In a procession, the American flag traditionally occupies the position of honor to the flag’s own right. When displayed from a projecting staff, the union should be at the peak. When suspended without a staff, the flag should hang freely rather than being stretched or used as a covering.

When displayed above and behind a speaker, the union should be uppermost and to the observer’s left. When used on a casket, the union is positioned at the head and over the deceased’s left shoulder.

The flag should not be intentionally displayed with the union down except as a signal of extreme distress, allowed to touch the ground, floor, or water, used as a ceiling covering, or displayed in a manner likely to result in unnecessary damage.