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  13 STARS, BETSY ROSS WREATH-STYLE CONFIGURATION, 1898-1926, A WHIMSICAL HOMEMADE FLAG WITH ATTRACTIVE, PERSIMMON ORANGE STRIPES

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 42.5" x 60"
Flag Size (H x L): 32" x 48.25"
Description....:
13 STARS, BETSY ROSS WREATH-STYLE CONFIGURATION, 1898-1926, A WHIMSICAL HOMEMADE FLAG WITH ATTRACTIVE, PERSIMMON ORANGE STRIPES:

13 star American national flag with a slightly oval version of the Betsy Ross-style wreath configuration, probably made at the very end of the 1890's or in the first quarter of the 20th century for use on Independence Day, or during WWI, or for the 1926 sesquicentennial celebration (the 150-year anniversary of our nation's independence). This is a wonderful, homemade example, with just the kind of whimsical qualities that accompany such flags. The best feature can be found in its stripes, which have taken on a rather interesting, persimmon orange / tomato red coloration. When set against its vibrant, royal blue canton, the result is quite striking.

The flag is entirely made of cotton and is entirely hand-sewn. The stars are adhered to the canton rather than sewn. This is not unusual in homemade, Betsy Ross pattern flags of this period. The flag is one-sided, which is also typical of homemade examples of Betsy Ross pattern flags.

Despite the many references to Betsy Ross in our nation's history books, she is not thought to have either designed or made the first flag by most flag scholars. In fact, surviving flags in the perfect circle, Betsy Ross pattern are not seen until the granddaughter of Betsy Ross, Rachel Albright, and Betsy's great-granddaughter, Sarah M. Wilson, participated in a cottage industry making little flags for tourists in the East Wing of Independence Hall in Philadelphia from approximately 1898 to 1913. Rachel appears to have undertaken the task first and was joined by Wilson sometime around 1903. Rachael and Sarah proudly proclaimed that this is what the original flag looked like, but no hard evidence exists to substantiate it. In fact, no one knows precisely what the star configuration was on the first flag, but it is unlikely that it had a perfect circle of stars. Of the very few Colonial examples that still exist, none have survived with this pattern. Further, while there are thousands of 13 star flags that still exist today, made during the 19th and 20th centuries for all manner of patriotic purpose, none seem to have survived with the Betsy Ross, perfect circle pattern that date prior to the 1890's.

13 star flags have been used throughout our Nation's history for a variety of reasons. The U.S. Navy flew 13 star flags on small boats throughout the 19th century (particularly the second half) and into the 20th. Some private ships used 13 star flags throughout the same period. Use of ensigns with a wreath of 13 stars surrounding an anchor on pleasure boats, which began in 1848, still persists today. 13 star flags were carried by soldiers during the Mexican and Civil Wars, and were used at patriotic events, including Layfayette's visit in 1825-26, the celebration of the Nation's centennial of independence in 1876, and the sesquicentennial in 1926.

Mounting: the flag has been hand-stitched to 100% silk organza on every seam for support. It was then hand-stitched to a background of 100% cotton twill, black in color. The background fabric was 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, contemporary Italian molding. The front is U.V. protective acrylic.

Condition: Some fading has occurred in the red stripes, in addition to some water staining. There is a tiny bleach spot on the canton, below and before the bottom, middle star. This is one of those cases where state of preservation adds a lot of character to the flag's appearance.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1898
Latest Date of Origin: 1926
State/Affiliation: 13 Original Colonies
War Association: WW 1
Price: SOLD
 

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