Featured Old American boat ensign

Are there any flag experts in the group? This 28” by 15”, 48-star American ensign came out of a boathouse of an old (120 years old, at least) cottage, still mounted on its teak or mahogany (not sure which) flagstaff. I believe the flag is wool, with stencilled stars and stripes. My gut feeling is that it’s quite old but, aside from the fact that 48 stars makes it post-1912, I have no way to confirm its date. Grommets appear to be silver-painted brass, and there are no maker or other marks on it. Please let me know your thoughts!

 

Without checking my facts, think the last 2 states were added in 1959, so there's your window.

 

Thanks, Bronwen. Yes, the 50-star flag was introduced in 1959. I believe, though, that by then flags hadn’t been made of wool for decades.

 

When I told my high school students that when I was born there were only 48 states, they were shocked!

 

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https://www.jasper52.com/blog/dating-us-flags-its-in-the-stars/

In reading this site, the author states that wool flags were made until about 1940 when wool use changed to military uniforms and flags were changed to cotton, if that narrmows it down some. It's an interesting article about how to date a flag. Your pole looks mahogany to me. Very cool flag.

 

Thank you, ola402. Great info!