Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  13 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH A BEAUTIFUL MEDALLION CONFIGURATION, A SMALL SCALE EXAMPLE OF THE 1876 CENTENNIAL ERA

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): Approx. 49" x 70"
Flag Size (H x L): 37" x 58.25"
Description....:
13 star American national flag, made around the time of the 1876 centennial of American independence. The stars are arranged in a medallion pattern that features a star in the very center, surrounded by a wreath of 8 stars, with a star in each corner. This design emerged during the Civil War and became very popular afterwards, especially on printed parade flags made for celebrations of our 100th anniversary. Prior to the 1890's, however, it is seldom encountered on 13 star flags with pieced-and-sewn construction, such as this especially fine example, which has beautifully hand-sewn stars.

Why 13 Stars?
13 star flags have been used throughout our nation’s history for a variety of purposes. The U.S. Navy used 13 stars on ensigns made for small boats, because they wished the stars to be easily discerned at a distance. This was the original number of stars on the American flag, representing the number of original colonies. As the count of stars grew with the addition of new states, two circumstances occurred. One, it became more and more difficult to fit stars on a small flag and two, it became more difficult to view them from afar as individual objects.

When small flags were produced, commercial makers often applied the same logic as the Navy, selecting the 13 star count, rather than the full complement of stars for the sake of ease and visibility. Any American national flag that has previously been official, remains so today according to the flag acts, so 13 star flags were, and still are, official flags of the United States.

Since there was no official star configuration until the 20th century (1912 specifically), the stars on 13 star flags may appear in any one of a host of configurations, some of which are more interesting than others. The medallion pattern on this particular flag is desirable because of its beautiful visual presentation.

In addition to their use by the Navy and commercial makers on small scale flags, 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 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 while campaigning for the same reason. 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. The Navy's use of the 13 star count on small boats officially ended in 1916 following an executive order of President Woodrow Wilson.

The small scale of the flag itself is very desirable among known examples that pre-date the 1890's. Prior to the last decade of the 19th century, most flags made for extended outdoor use were very large. Those with pieced-and-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. Today their use is more often decorative and the general display of patriotism. Smaller flags exist in the early periods, but they are the exception. A six-foot example is small among flags of those that pre-date 1890, and they smaller they are, the rarer they are. Because 19th century sewn flags can be cumbersome to frame and display in an indoor setting, many collectors prefer small examples, like this one, which measures approximately 5 feet in length on the fly.

Due to a combination of the small scale of the flag, its hand-sewn stars, and the attractive visual qualities of both its star design and color, this is an excellent example among 13 star flags of the late 19th century.

Construction: The stars are made of cotton, hand-sewn and double-appliquéd (applied to both sides). The stripes and canton of the flag are made of wool bunting that has been pieced with treadle stitching. There is a twill cotton hoist with 2 brass grommets.

  Mounting: The flag was mounted and framed in our own conservation department, which is led by masters degree trained staff. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and have framed thousands of examples. Feel free to contact us for more details.

The background is 100% cotton twill, black in color. The black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed molding is Italian and has a substantial serpentine profile. The glazing is U.V. protective Plexiglas.

Condition: There is extremely minor mothing and there is minor foxing and staining throughout, but there are no significant condition issues. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything
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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