[whtboy97]

I was recently given a 4X6 48 star flag. First off, Im not sure if it is authentic because the stars are not sown on. The blue forming the 48 stars is dyed. The main question is should I keep it or properly dispose of it because it is in pretty bad shape. It is very dirty and ripped in several places. When its folded, it doesnt look that bad other than dirty but that gives it character. I know nothing of its origin and there are no tags or markings to show a company name.

[american_flag_uk]

hey there

it is up to you whether you want to retire it
does sound pretty bad from where i'm sat... but it is a piece of American history
they were printing flags long before the 48 star flag - so it is possable to be auhentic

i recentl retired a 48 star flag that casme into my possession... it had printed stars and sewn stripes.. there was a huge vertical rip in the blue field and some fo the stripes were half missing- and the colors in it had bled... it was a pretty big flag too - about 6x11 ft