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  13 HAND-SEWN STARS, CENTENNIAL ERA, RARE SMALL SIZE FOR THE PERIOD

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 40.5" x 70.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 29.75" x 60.75"
Description....:
13 HAND-SEWN STARS, CENTENNIAL ERA, RARE SMALL SIZE: 13 Star American national flag, likely made in celebration of the Nation's centennial of independence in 1876. The hand-sewn cotton stars are double-appliqued (applied to both sides of the flag). Both the navy blue canton and red & white stripes are made of wool bunting, sewn with treadle stitching, and there is a cotton sleeve with 2 brass grommets. This construction is typical of the period. By 1876 most all stripes were treadle-sewn. Another very important trait is the flag's exceptionally small size. Most sewn flags made before the 1890's are between 7 and 9 feet long and larger. Small sewn flags are considerably more desirable, being much easier to display indoors, but are much more rare. The U.S. Navy flew 13 star flags on small boats, not only in the 18th century, but throughout the 19th century (with some exceptions). This practice effectively ceased in 1916 with an executive order of then-President Woodrow Wilson. Beginning around the time of the Civil War, many of the Navy's 13 star flags were in the 3-2-3-2-3 pattern, like this flag, and were small in size compared with other 19th century Stars & Stripes, at about 6 feet in length. 5 foot long examples are few and far between, however, and are particularly desired with hand-sewn stars. This could possibly be a U.S. Navy flag in an unusually small size, but there is some variation in the weight of the cotton used in the stars, some of which is unusually thin and cheesecloth-like when compared to the U.S. Navy small boat ensigns that I have seen. The variation is slight, but the weight is also not what I'd expect for nautical use. It is therefore more likely that the flag was made for use during the centennial. 13 star flags have been used throughout our Nation's history for a variety of purposes. In addition to their use during the Centennial and on small Navy boats, the were displayed in celebration of Layfayette's final visit to the U.S. in 1825-26, were carried by soldiers during the Mexican and Civil Wars, and were made to commemorate American independence on other patriotic occasions, such as the nation's sesquicentennial in 1926. Beginning around 1890, 13 star flags were also flown by the owners of private yachts. By this time, however, most all flags were mass-produced with machine stitching of the stars. Mounting: the flag has been hand-stitched to 100% silk organza for support, then to a background of black cotton twill, which was washed in an acid-free agent to set the dye. The hand-painted and gilded, black and gold Italian molding is contemporary. The front is u.v. protective plexiglas. Condition: Excellent for the period, with only minor mothing, foxing and staining.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1876
Latest Date of Origin: 1876
State/Affiliation: 13 Original Colonies
War Association:
Price: No
 

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