The Stars and Stripes

After encountering Billy MacBilly at the antiques stall in the local market, Jack found that there were lots of antiques in the area.

He became the expert of local antiques.

“Jack, there’s a boy at the door.” Jack’s mother called.

Jack put down his book and walked over to the door.

“Hello, Oliver.”

Oliver was a local boy in the area, who, like Jack, was interested in history.

“Hello, Jack. I was wondering if you had time.”

“What for?” asked Jack.

“It’s Ernie. He owns a flag said to be owned by George Washington. I’d promise to trade it for my Lego Death Star if it was real.”

Jack asked: “Where is this happening?”

“At the gang’s clubhouse.”

When Ernie saw Jack enter, his face immediately soured.

“Here he is, the ‘Antiques expert’, and an American revolution expert as well!”

“Can I see the flag?”

“Sure, but don’t touch it. That thing is fragile!”

The stars, fourteen in a circle, in the corner of the Stars and Stripes.

Proudly, Ernie boasted. “My family is distantly related to Mr. Washington, and he had it in the revolution. When he died, he left us with this flag. It’s a fine piece of work, worth thousands, but Oliver loves it so much I just have to trade it to him.”

“Trade?” Jack asked. “You won’t trade with Oliver. This isn’t a real antique!”

How did Jack know?