| 13 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH A MEDALLION CONFIGURATION OF HAND-SEWN STARS AND A BEAUTIFUL, ELONGATED PROFILE, MADE IN THE ERA OF THE 1876 CENTENNIAL OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE, IN AN UNCOMMONLY SMALL SIZE AMONG ITS COUNTERPARTS OF THE PERIOD WITH SEWN CONSTRUCTION |
|
| Web ID: | 13j-1711 |
| Available: | In Stock |
| Frame Size (H x L): | 43" x 71.25" |
| Flag Size (H x L): | 31.5" x 59.5" |
| Description: | |
| 13 star American national flag, made in the era of the 1876 centennial of American independence. The stars are arranged in what is known as the medallion configuration. This consists of a wreath of 8 stars, surrounding a single, center star, with a flanking star in each corner, outside the basic pattern. Note how the stars are thoughtfully oriented throughout the design, so that the center star, and the four stars beyond the ring, are all arranged such that there one point is directed upward, and each of those in the circular ring are situated such that a single point is directed outward from the center. Though subtle, both of these elements make positive contributions to the flag’s appearance. The stars of the flag are made of cotton, hand-sewn, and double-appliquéd (applied to both sides). The canton and stripes of the flag are made of wool bunting that has been pieced and joined with treadle stitching. There is a twill cotton binding along the hoist, with two brass grommets, one each near the top and bottom. There was practically no legislation surrounding the design of the American flag until 1912, when President William Howard Taft dictated for the first time an official star configuration, an official number of points that the stars had to have, official shades of red and blue, official proportions, and the placement of the blue canton against the striped field. Prior to this time, most of the aspects of our nations flag were simply left to the whims of the maker. In this instance, note how the flag’s beautifully elongated profile, unusual among its counterparts, in combination with this star configuration, contributes a great deal to its stunning presentation. Prior to the last decade of the 19th century, most flags made for extended outdoor use were very large when compared to modern times. Those with pieced-and-sewn construction were generally eight feet long and larger. This is because they needed to be seen from a distance to be effective as signals. Until the Civil War, the primary use of the American national flag was to identify ships. Although some small, printed flags began to appear around 1840, made for hand-waving at political rallies and parades, the function of most flags was utilitarian. This is very different from today, where their use is largely decorative and for the general display of patriotism. Pre-1890, even those flags made for decorative use tended to be far larger than their modern counterparts. Because smaller flags are easier to conserve and frame for indoor display, the size of this particular example—small enough to be manageable, but large enough to make significant impact, is especially desirable for both collectors and one-time buyers alike. In addition to having a more interesting appearance, an elongated shape can provide additional benefits in a space where ceiling height is limited, above a hearth or when waist molding is present, allowing for the display of a larger flag than would otherwise be possible, in a space geometrically well-suited. Why 13 Stars? 13 star flags have been continuously produced throughout our nation’s history for a variety of purposes both practical and patriotic. Because this was the original number of stars on the American flag, representing the original 13 colonies, it was appropriate for any flag made in conjunction with celebrations of American independence. In addition to use at the 1876 centennial, 13 star flags were hoisted at patriotic events, including Lafayette’s visit in 1824-25, the sesquicentennial in 1926, and celebrations of July 4th. They were displayed during the Civil War, to reference past struggles for American liberty, and were used by 19th century politicians while campaigning for the same reason. 13 star flags were flown by American ships both private and federal. The U.S. Navy used 13 stars on the ensigns made for small boats, because they wished the stars to be easily discerned at a distance. As the number of stars grew with the addition of new states, it became more and more difficult to fit stars on a small flag so that they may be viewed from afar as individual objects. Because any star count that has previously been official remains so today according to the Congressional flag acts, all 13 star flags in an otherwise appropriate design remain official flags of the United States. Mounting: For 25 years we have maintained a specialized department for this purpose. Our lead conservator holds a master's degree in textile conservation from one of the nation’s top university programs. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and related textiles and have preserved thousands of examples. The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton, black in color, that was washed and treated for colorfastness. The mount was then placed in a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic (Plexiglas). Condition: The flag was obviously flown for an extended period and displays endearing wear in accordance with this fact. There is modest to moderate soiling in limited areas, most notably at the top of the hoist, in the canton, toward the hoist end, and below the canton, in the 10th 11th and 12th stripes, as well as modest overall soiling in the striped field toward the fly end. There are very minor losses in the canton. There are modest losses in the first white stripe, accompanied by an area of modest to moderate loss in the upper, fly end corner, and there are minor losses elsewhere throughout. There are minor to modest losses in the 1st, 4th, 8th, 10th, and 13th stripes. There are tack holes with associated rust stains at the extreme top and bottom of the binding. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use. |
|
| Video: | |
| 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: | Please call (717) 676-0545 or (717) 502-1281 |
| E-mail: | info@jeffbridgman.com |
 |
|
