A 25-Star American National flag commemorating Arkansas statehood on June 15, 1836, Made Circa 1821, Updated 1836 – 1837

The hand-sewn double-appliqued cotton muslin stars configured in five straight rows, with some variation to the vertical axis, on the four-piece hand-sewn wool bunting canton.  The canton, of a rare cornflower blue color atypical of the period, is hand-sewn to the stripes, and sits on a red stripe, also known as a "war" or "blood" stripe.  The stripes are hand-sewn wool bunting; there are multiple whip-stitched grommets throughout the linen sleeve, which still retains a period hemp rope threaded through them.

The American Flag Collection of Thomas S. Connelly, Sotheby's, May 23, 2002, sale 7801, lot 111.

With some small losses throughout as photographed, especially to hoist edge side of second red stripe from bottom, and throughout dyed areas of cloth, consistent with age and use.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

It is possible, and perhaps likely, that this was originally a 24-star flag, with four rows of five stars sitting on a final row of four stars, which subsequently had a 25th star added when Arkansas was admitted to the Union.  The 25th star is somewhat larger than the others, and is arranged in an off-balance position.