I'll tell you why a 39 star is valuable, but first I'm going to show you some other fun stuff we have at the shop, like this shelf. My favorites are the clocks and the two paperweights next to them.
Then there's the new antique tool room, which even if tools aren't your thing is still very cool.
We also have this old Stone shield depicting...possibly some manifestation of Shiva....?
And these very cool fish decoys...
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| my fave |
Now, why is a 39 star flag valuable? The obvious answer is that it's rare, which is correct. But why is it rare, you might ask? The reason is because back in 1889, flag manufacturers tried to to get a jump on sales in anticipation of a new state being admitted. But instead of one state, we got two: North and South Dakota. So, there never was an 'official' 39 star US flag.
Meanwhile, I'm working on chapter 21 of THE EXECUTIONER, reading Dark Matter by Blake Crouch, and very much enjoying Les Revenants, which the American series The Returned was based on.
So, which state was admitted first, North Dakota or South Dakota? I don't know, so I'm asking :)
ReplyDeleteThey came in together, so we went from a 38 star flag to a 40.
DeleteWorking in the pawn shop must be endlessly fascinating - both the products and those who bring them in (and probably those who buy them too).
ReplyDeleteHooray for reading and writing.
I'm always learning something!
DeleteI didn't know that! Wow, I bet that it a rare piece. How much is it going for?
ReplyDeleteI think we have a price tag of $750 on it but I'm sure someone could have it for less. The owner is often willing to haggle.
DeleteThat's so interesting. I had no idea we'd made that jump in stars.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
I didn't know either til that flag came in!
DeleteAt least it wasn't Dakota Fanning...
ReplyDeletelol
DeleteYou've educated me today!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad :)
DeleteLove the 39 stars story! Of course, it begs the question of why two Dakotas in the first place? Looked it up. Interesting history there: reasons both practical and political.
ReplyDeleteAh, I'll have to check that out. Thanks!
DeleteAwesome pictures! My husband will delight in that story. He's an American history buff who likes watching "American Pickers" and "Pawn Stars", where something like this might come through. May I ask what price your shop put on the flag? Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeletehttp://darlamsands.blogspot.com
Thank you! I think we're asking $750 for the flag tho I'm sure my boss would take less.
DeleteGreat pics!! My daughter would LOVE the tool room - that's right up her alley!!
ReplyDeleteThere's some pretty cool stuff in there :)
DeleteVery cool! Working in a pawn shop isn't just interesting... it can be educational, too! I love the info on the flag. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt is! I think that's why I like it; I'm always learning what something is!
DeleteThat must be such a cool job—so much story potential! Those fish decoys are really amazing.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with Chapter 21!
I love the fish decoys - esp. that green one!
DeleteSounds like a cool place to work--or at least shop around in. Love that collection of fishing lures.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Aren't they awesome?!
DeleteThat's interesting about the 39 star flag--the pawn shop looks to be a place to linker and look for treasures.
ReplyDeletewww.thepulpitandthepen.com
It is definitely a cool place to work!
DeleteVERY interesting.... That is quite a find and rarity....
ReplyDeleteHope things are better for you. I just read your previous post....
HUGS....
Thank you. And yes, 39 star flags are pretty uncommon.
DeleteRandom fact: no one knows which state, North Dakota or South Dakota, was admitted to the Union first. When President Benjamin Harrison signed the respective documents making the two territories into states, he intentionally mixed them up and affixed his signature without looking at which was which (so neither new state would feel slighted at having been second in).
ReplyDelete