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  13 STARS, MADE FOR THE CENTENNIAL OF OUR NATION'S INDEPENDENCE IN 1876, A SCARCE AND ATTRACTIVE VARIETY

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 11" x 13.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 4" x 6"
Description....:
13 STARS, MADE FOR THE CENTENNIAL OF OUR NATION'S INDEPENDENCE IN 1876, A SCARCE AND ATTRACTIVE VARIETY:

13 star American national parade, printed on coarse, glazed cotton, with a wreath star design that is comprised of a large center star, surrounded by a wreath of 8 smaller stars, with a single flanking star in each corner of the blue canton.

While seemingly small in size, this is, in fact, somewhat large among surviving 13 star parade flags of the period. It is also a rather attractive variety with a shape that is a bit more square than others. Note the misprinting in the stars, which adds a degree of folk quality to the overall presentation. Also note the bit of red that runs along the hoist end. This is actually part of another flag that would have run perpendicular to this one when it was printed. Parade flags were printed on bolts like most textiles and small flags were often laid out in groups that did not necessarily all run in one direction. In addition, sometimes flags of varying sizes were printed next to one-another.

13 star flags have been used throughout our Nation's history for a variety of purposes. Among other uses, 13 star flags were carried by soldiers during the Mexican and Civil Wars and displayed at patriotic events, including Lafayette's visit in 1825-26, the celebration of the Nation's Centennial in 1876, and the Sesquicentennial in 1926. The U.S. Navy used the 13 star count on small boats, not only in the 18th century, but throughout much or all of the 19th century, particularly the second half. The practice ended in 1916 following an executive order from President Woodrow Wilson. Some private ships also used 13 star flags during the same period as the Navy, and the use of yachting ensigns with a wreath of 13 stars surrounding an anchor, which began in 1848, still persists today.

Mounting: The flag has been placed hand-stitched to 100% cotton rag mat and placed in a veneered mahogany frame that dates to the period between 1830 and 1860. Spacers keep the textile away from the glass, which is u.v. protective.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1876
Latest Date of Origin: 1876
State/Affiliation: 13 Original Colonies
War Association: 1866-1889 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

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