Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  13 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN PARADE FLAG, MADE BETWEEN THE CIVIL WAR (1861-65) AND THE 1876 CENTENNIAL OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE, FEATURING THREE SIZES OF WHIMSICALLY SHAPED STARS IN A MEDALLION CONFIGURATION

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 14.25" x 11.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 7.25" x 4.5"
Description....:
13 star American national parade flag, printed on coarse, glazed cotton, with a wreath star design that incorporates three different sizes of stars in crude, whimsical shapes. I have found these flags with other Civil War era examples and production of this variety seems to have begun sometime within the 1861-1865 period. They may have been produced straight through until 1876, however, where they would have been used to celebrate our nation’s 100-year anniversary of independence.

While seemingly small in size, this is, in fact, a somewhat large example among 13 star parade flags of this period. It is also one of the most attractive examples from a folk art perspective. Note the strong, saturated colors and the irregular weave of the gauze-like fabric.

13 star flags have been flown throughout our nation’s history for a variety of purposes. They were hoisted at patriotic events, including Lafayette’s visit in 1824-25, the celebration of the nation’s centennial in 1876, and the sesquicentennial in 1926. They were displayed during the Civil War, to reference past struggles for American liberty and victory over oppression, and were used by 19th century politicians while campaigning for the same reason. The U.S. Navy used the 13 star count on small boats until 1916, because it was easier to discern fewer stars at a distance on a small flag. Commercial flag-makers mirrored this practice and some private ships flew 13 star flags during the same period as the Navy. The use of yachting ensigns with a wreath of 13 stars surrounding a fouled anchor, which allowed pleasure boats to bypass customs between 1848 and 1980, persists today without an official purpose.

Mounting: The flag was mounted and framed within our own conservation department, which is led by expert staff. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and have framed thousands of examples.

The solid walnut molding dates to the period between 1860 and 1800, with great, dark, early surface. To this a gilded molding of the late 19th century was added as a liner. The background is 100% cotton twill, black in color, that has been washed and treated for colorfastness. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: There is excess printing of blue pigment along the hoist end, accompanied by modest to moderate staining, where the flag was once affixed to a wooden staff. There are some pinprick-sized holes in the striped field, of little to no consequence, accompanied by minor soiling in limited areas. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1861
Latest Date of Origin: 1876
State/Affiliation: 13 Original Colonies
War Association: 1861-1865 Civil War
Price: SOLD
 

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