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  13 HAND-SEWN STARS IN A 3-2-3-2-3 CONFIGURATION, CA 1864-1876, PROBABLY MADE FOR THE CENTENNIAL OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 56" x 79"
Flag Size (H x L): 45" x 67"
Description....:
13 HAND-SEWN STARS IN A 3-2-3-2-3 CONFIGURATION, CA 1864-1876, PROBABLY MADE FOR THE CENTENNIAL OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE:

This 13 star American National flag was made sometime between the closing years of the Civil War (1864-65) and the 1880. Likely it was made in 1876 to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of American independence. 13 star flags were produced out of respect to the original 13 colonies and the role of our forefathers in their achievement of freedom from British control.

While it is possible that the flag was produced by the U.S. Navy as a small boat ensign, its proportions are far less elongated than most most maritime flags. The stars are arranged in the 3-2-3-2-3 pattern that became common on U.S. Navy small boat flags part way through the Civil War and remained its configuration of choice until their use of 13 star flags was terminated by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. The Navy made their own flags, and though specifics concerning their features were supposedly governed by Naval regulations, in actuality their size, coloration, and proportions relied much more heavily on the preferences of the commandant at the respective bases where such flags were produced, as well as the quartermaster's access to wool bunting and other necessary materials. Even so, the proportions of this particular flag are suggestive of general patriotic use.

13 star flags have been used throughout our Nation's history for a variety of purposes. In addition to their use at the 1876 centennial and by the Navy, 13 star flags were carried by soldiers during the Mexican and Civil Wars. They were also displayed at a wide variety of patriotic events, including Lafayette's visit in 1825-26, the Sesquicentennial in 1926, and celebrations of Independence Day. 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 hand-stitched to 100% silk taffeta on every seam and throughout the star field for support. It was then sewn to a background of 100% cotton twill, black in color, which 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 mount was then placed in a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The front is u.v. protective plexiglas.

Condition: There are some losses and repairs throughout. Fabric was placed behind the flag for masking purposes and extra stitching was added to these areas for reinforcement during the mounting process.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1870
Latest Date of Origin: 1880
State/Affiliation: 13 Original Colonies
War Association:
Price: SOLD
 

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