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  13 HAND-SEWN STARS ON A U.S. NAVY SMALL BOAT ENSIGN OF THE 1876 CENTENNIAL ERA

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 42.25" x 71.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 30.75" x 60.75"
Description....:
13 HAND-SEWN STARS ON A U.S. NAVY SMALL BOAT ENSIGN OF THE 1876 CENTENNIAL ERA:

13 star American national flag of the type flown by the U.S. Navy in the 1870-1880's period. Because the Navy's flags of this era were made in the same fashion as many of those produced for private use in cottage industry settings, it can be difficult to ascertain the intended purpose of a 13 star flag of this period with 100% certainty. Some, for example, were produced to glorify the original 13 colonies during the 1876 centennial of American independence. The star pattern of this particular flag, however, as well as its dimensions, suggest that it was the most common of the Navy's small boat ensigns, as they were termed, which varied between 2.9 feet x 5.5 feet and 3.2 x 6 feet. These flags were flown at the stern, from a gaff, or from the yard-arm on a larger vessel, or as the primary flag on a skiff or other small craft that carried sailors back and forth to shore.

The height of this particular flag conforms to the 2.9 foot specs. At approx. 5 feet on the fly, the length was probably shortened some as a proper means of repairing expected wear in order to extend the flag's term of service. This is evidenced by the different color thread used to re-bind the fly end.

The Navy generally produced their own flags during the 19th century. Because these objects were hand-made there was a good deal of irregularity and variation. Note how the stars on this example vary in position on their vertical axis, which lends a nice measure of folk quality to the design. Also note the attractive shade of the blue wool bunting, which lends to its attractive appearance.

Why 13 Stars?
As the number of stars grew with the addition of new states, it became more and more difficult to fit their full complement on a small flag. The stars would, by necessity, have to become smaller, which made it more and more difficult to view them from a distance as individual objects. The fear was that too many of them close together would become as one white mass and distort the ability to identify American ships on the open seas. Keeping the count low allowed for better visibility.

Flag experts disagree about the precisely when the Navy began to revert to 13 stars and other low counts for this practice. Some feel that the use of 13 star flags never stopped, which seems to be supported by depictions of ships in period artwork. This was, of course, the original number of stars on the first American national flag, by way of the First Flag Act of 1777, and equal to the number of original colonies that became states. Any American flag that has previously been official, remains so according to the flag acts, so it remains perfectly acceptable to fly 13 star flags today by way of congressional law.

Use of 13 star flags by the U.S. Navy theoretically ended in 1916, by way of an executive order from then-President Woodrow Wilson, though old military traditions die hard and according to at least one expert, Wilson’s order did not completely dispel the presence of 13 star flags on U.S. Navy craft.

The stars of this example are arranged in rows of 3-2-3-2-3, which is the most often seen pattern in 13 star flags following the Civil War. In most cases the design can also be viewed as a diamond of stars with a star in each corner, or as a combination of the crosses of St. Andrew and St. George, which some experts feel was the design of the very first American flag and serves as a link between this star pattern and the British Union Jack.

  The flag's relatively small size when compared to others made during the 19th century adds considerable appeal. In modern times, this flag might be considered large by the casual observer. Prior to the 1890’s, however, it is when compared to its many counterparts with sewn construction. Printed parade flags (sometimes called hand-wavers) were generally three feet long or smaller, but flags with sewn construction were generally eight feet long and larger. This is because flags needed to be seen from a distance to be effective in their purpose as signals, while today their use is more often decorative and the general display of patriotism. The average 19th century sewn flag can be cumbersome to frame and display in an indoor setting. This is why many collectors prefer printed parade flags and smaller sewn flags, like this one.

13 star flags have been used throughout our nation’s history for a variety of purposes. They were hoisted at patriotic events, including Lafayette’s visit in 1825-26, 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 in political campaigning for the same reason. Some private ships flew 13 star flags during the same period as the Navy, and the use of yachting ensigns with a wreath of 13 stars surrounding an fouled anchor, which allowed pleasure boats to bypass customs between 1848 and 1980, persists today without an official purpose.

Construction: The stars are made of cotton, hand-sewn and double-appliquéd, which means that they are applied to both sides of the blue canton. The stripes and stars are made of wool bunting, joined by treadle-stitching. There is a twill cotton header with two brass grommets for hoisting.

Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% silk organza on every seam and throughout the star field. The flag was then hand-stitched to a background of 100% cotton, black in color, which was washed to remove 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 glazing is U.V. protective acrylic.
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: 1866-1890 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

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