The 48 Flags of the USA

Think what you will of the patriotism of the United States, there's no denying that they treat the 4 July with a due sense of occasion.

Ever since the first Independence Day (4 July 1776, but you already knew that), fireworks have been set off and star-spangled banners waved to celebrate USA's independence from the dastardly Kingdom of Great Britain - but those flags have never stayed the same for long. The current version has only been around since 1960, with 47 iterations having been hoisted before it.

The patriotic printers of Pop Chart Lab have paid fitting tribute to their nation's celebrations with a new poster that documents the history of the stars and stripes - from the Rebellious Stripes of 1767 to the 50 star version of today. As new states joined the US, designs have changed, slipping additional stars in to the familiar field of blue.

Vexillologists amongst you should head over to the Pop Chart Lab store to pick up a print.

(Images: Pop Chart Lab)