Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  13 Star American Flag -- Centennial Era -- Hand Sewn Stars -- Dusty Blue Canton

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 39.5" X 62"
Flag Size (H x L): 35" X 60"
Description....:
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) on a blue wool canton that has faded to an attractive periwinkle color. The flag is entirely hand-sewn, which is a very nice characteristic and is unusual for the period. By 1876 most all stripes were treadle-machine-sewn. Another very important trait is the flag's exceptionally small size. Most sewn flags made before the 1890's are between 8 and 9 feet long or larger. Small sewn flags are considerably more desirable, being much easier to display indoors, but are much more rare. 13 star flags have been used throughout our Nation's history for a variety of purposes. The Navy used them in the 18th century, and then again from the mid-19th century until 1916, when President Woodrow Wilson wrote an executive order that terminated this historic connection to our colonial past. They were displayed in celebration of Layfayette's final visit to the U.S. in 1825-26, were carried by soldiers during the Civil War, and were made to commemorate American independence during the Nation's Centennial in 1876, the Sesquicentennial in 1926, and for use on other patriotic occasions. Mounting: For an additional cost, the flag can be stitched to 100% cotton and mounted on archival materials over a wooden strainer. It can also be encased in an acrylic museum box frame, or framed in a traditional manner. Condition: The flag is in an excellent state of preservation for the period, especially considering that it was very likely used outdoors for an extended period. There is some fabric loss from wind shear at the top and bottom of the fly end, accompanied by minor mothing. These areas can be masked during the mounting process by placing fabric of similar coloration behind the flag, or they can be left alone in order to display the flag in its untouched state. Many collectors prefer early American flags to show their age and display appropriate signs of use.
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: 1866-1889 Indian Wars
Price: No
 

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