A banner that flew over the United States’ ascent to global superpower is for sale at a British collectibles company.
Paul Fraser Collectibles are selling a flag from the turn of the 19th century that records a country that’s very different from the United States of 2025.
The most obvious difference is the 45 stars representing the US states. That dates the flag in the history of a growing country.
In 1896 Utah had joined the Union becoming the 45th state. A redesign was needed as soon as 1908 when Oklahoma became the 46th.
This flag flew through three presidential terms at a momentous time says Paul Fraser, Chairman of Paul Fraser Collectibles.
“Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders flying the U.S flag, after victory at the Battle of San Juan Hill.
The 45-star flag was used from 1896, when Utah became the 45th state, until 1908 when Oklahoma joined the union.
“The American frontier had been conquered. The West was won.
“And with victory in the Spanish-American War of 1898, the U.S became a global superpower for the first time.
“Three U.S Presidents served under the flag during that period: Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, and Theodore Roosevelt.”
“Roosevelt was the man of the age. He helped plan the naval war against Spain, led the legendary Rough Riders cavalry regiment in Cuba, and went from war hero to one of America’s greatest Presidents.”
Roosevelt with the Rough Riders in Cuba, helping America become an imperial power.
The large flag – 88 inches by 57 inches (223cm by 144cm) – is likely to attract a buyer looking for a display item, says Mr Fraser.
The woolen flag was machine sewn, with cotton star patches sitting in an 8-7-8-7-8-7 pattern.
“Small hand-sewn repair patches really add to its character,” says Mr Fraser.
“In today’s market these original historic U.S flags are increasingly rare and sought-after by collectors.
“And the size, age and condition of this one makes it particularly desirable. It’s a bold symbol of a bygone age.”
Any authentic historical flags can be valuable. The most precious are usually those which tell a special story, most often a military one.
A Union Flag flown during the Battle of Trafalgar made over £1 million in July this year and in 2006 a United States Revolutionary War battle flag made $12.3 million (selling along with other contemporary flags for a total over $17 million).
This flag is considerably better value but tells just as interesting a story.
