The U.S. used a 48-star flag for 47 years until Alaska gained statehood in this year
[DOC] [TLE] Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags and Painted Furniture - 48 STAR U.S. ... [PAR] 48 STAR U.S. NAVY JACK, MADE AT MARE ISLAND, CALIFORNIA, ... 34.5" x 47
" ... Two years later, on September 16th of 1854, Mare Island became the first ... 
the use of the Union Flag as the jack on Royal Navy ships employs the same ... 
War (1950-53), until Alaska gained statehood in 1959 and the 49th star was 
added.