This American Flag is one of the earliest examples of the American flag known to exist. There are perhaps a dozen or so stars and stripes that are reasonably attributable to the era of the War of 1812 or earlier, and this is one of them. 19 Stars (1816-1817) Updated to 25 Stars (1836-1837) Wool Bunting and Linen, hand stitched (later treadle machine reinforced) - American flag