Rare 39-Star American Flag Kerchiefs 1876 Centennial commemorative quilt, cotton. Some staining, minor dye-bleed. 88-1/2''h, 86''w. Provenance: Estate of Laura Fisher, New York, NY. Catalog note: ''These 39-star flag kerchiefs were the printed commemoratives created to honor the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. They have a fascinating place in American history because a 39-star state flag was never put to use-superseded by the admission of the 40th state to the Union. One kerchief alone is rare and scarce. Described as ''The International Flag', it is notable not only for its canton-which contains six vertical ''rows''--three with six stars and three with seven stars--but also for its border of small flags of the nations that were to attend the United States' hundredth birthday party.'' -Laura Fisher