Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  13 STARS IN AN EXTREMELY RARE PATTERN, PRIVATE YACHT ENSIGN, 1890-1910

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 42.25"x 48.75"
Flag Size (H x L): 30" x 37.5"
Description....:
13 STARS IN AN EXTREMELY RARE PATTERN, PRIVATE YACHT ENSIGN, 1890-1910: 13 star American national flag dating to the period between 1890 and 1910 and bearing an extremely rare configuration of stars. This unusual medallion design, with a wreath of 9 stars and a star in each corner, is very odd among 13 star examples because there is no center star. I suspect that it was made by the Annin Company in New York City, our nation's eldest flag-maker that is still in business today, and that the intention was to copy a colonial-era star pattern. I am not aware that this exact pattern actually existed, but Annin did make what they felt were copies of colonial flags and I am aware of at least one odd design, bearing some similarity to this one, that appeared in a 1909 Annin catalogue. The purpose of the flag, which was likely made in the 1890-1910 era, was probably to serve as a private yacht ensign. The U.S. Navy had long been using 13 star flags on small boats, and private individuals began to copy this in the last decade of the 19th century. Theses flags were commercially available and were likely purchased for patriotic occasions as well as for maritime use. On rare occasion I have seen period photos of these flags in use on land. 13 star flags have been used throughout our Nation's history for a variety of purposes. 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 of 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. 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. Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% silk taffeta for support on every seam and throughout the star field. It was then stitched to a background of 100% cotton, black in color, that has been washed to reduce excess dye. An acid free agent was added to the wash to further set the dye and the fabric was heat-treated for the same purpose. The flag was then placed in a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The front is u.v. protective plexiglas. Condition: The flag definitely saw extended use and the fly end was properly turned back on itself to repair loss caused by wind shear. The original shape of the flag was probably nearer to square than one might expect, however, as most 13 star private yacht ensigns were, so it did not loose a great deal of length. Some of the original wool was used to mask damage in the top, fly end corner. Unlike some other early textiles, flags were intended for outdoor use and many flag collectors actually prefer early flags to show their age.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1890
Latest Date of Origin: 1910
State/Affiliation: 13 Original Colonies
War Association:
Price: No
 

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