Scarce U.S. 49-star flag displayed in the Dwight D. Eisenhower White House from 4 July 1959 until 4 July 1960, between the time Alaska's flag was introduced to represent the 49th state, and Hawaii's was introduced to represent the 50th. This 49-star flag, with hand-embroidered stars, is one of only a small number of flags that were displayed throughout the White House. Unlike all other U.S. flags, the White House flags are uniquely hand-embroidered and made of silk, of which this is an example.

After Hawaii became the 50th state, this flag was given to Ludwell B. Pruett, who worked in the Flag Mission of the Quartermaster General's Clothing & Textile Material Division from 1958-61, and was responsible for all flags originating from the U.S. Army Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot, the facility responsible for producing all White House flags and military flags. Pruett would continue to work in the Flag Mission until 1961, when flag procurement was transferred to the Department of Defense. Flag measures 68'' x 53'', plus 2'' yellow fringe, with leather tabs sewn within the hoist. Some staining to the stripes portion in the mid-section, and some snagging of star fabric, in the condition it was received, overall in very good condition, displaying nicely. With an LOA from the family of Ludwell Pruett, and with copies of documents from Pruett's employment with the Quartermaster General.