What care is recommended for old flags, WW2, 1949 vintage flags? One has what appears to be mildew, rust staining, a few pin holes. It has been flown and taken an odd stretched appearance. Should I leave it as is, hand wash it, repair holes, iron it? Opinions please.

It's a 49 star flag, only in use for one year after Alaska reached statehood in 1959, but before Hawaii did in 1960.

Nice flag and as Steve says it's a 49 star flag. Was official from July 4th 1960 for one year (I think). They are nice and collectible but pretty common. Generally we say to leave things alone but you don't want the damage to spread. I recently bought a 48 star flag that had no significant historical value but was dirty. Really dirty. My concern is that I store flags together in a tub and didn't want the new flag to contaminate the others. I soaked it in Woolite and the water turned a very dark brown. I repeated and was happy with the results. It was a wool flag. 

 

I have tattered Navy flags with paint and drops of grease and dark areas from being down wind from the ship's stacks. Those I never touch.