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  13 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN PARADE FLAG WITH A MEDALLION CONFIGURATION, MADE FOR THE 1876 CENTENNIAL OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE; A LARGE EXAMPLE AMONG ITS COUNTERPARTS OF THE PERIOD; PRESENTED IN THE FIRST EVER LARGE SCALE MUSEUM EXHBITION OF EARLY 13 STAR FLAGS

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 13" x 17.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 6" X 10.5"
Description....:
13 star American national parade flag, printed on coarse, glazed cotton and affixed to its original staff. Made to celebrate our nation’s centennial of independence in 1876, the flag has a medallion pattern canton that consists of a large center star, surrounded by a wreath of eight stars, with a flanking star in each corner. This was a popular centennial design.

The most common size of these 13 star medallion pattern centennial parade flags was two by three inches on a six-inch staff. At approximately six-by-ten inches, this is actually the largest variety of 13 star parade flag that is regularly encountered in this period.

Note the blue pigment along the hoist, the uneven placement and uneven lines, all of which are characteristic of block-printed 19th century flags. These actually add to the flag's presentation as opposed to detract from it, demonstrating its hand-made, 19th century construction in a graphically pleasing way that adds crude and endearing evidence of its origin.

13 star flags have been used throughout our nation’s history for a variety of purposes. Among other uses, 13 star flags were carried by soldiers during the Mexican and Civil Wars and displayed at patriotic events, including Lafayette’s visit in 1824-25, the celebration of the nation’s centennial in 1876, and the Sesquicentennial in 1926. The U.S. Navy used the 13 star count on small boats, not only in the 18th century, but throughout much or all of the 19th century, particularly the second half. The practice ended in 1916 following an executive order from President Woodrow Wilson. Some private ships used 13 star flags during the same period as the Navy, and the use of yachting ensigns with a wreath of 13 stars surrounding an anchor, which served as an official signal for bypassing customs between 1848 and 1980, persists today without an official purpose.

Provenance: This flag was exhibited from June 14th – July 21st at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, in an exhibit entitled “A New Constellation.” Curated by Jeff Bridgman, the exhibition featured 40 flags, with 32 different star patterns represented, spanning a period of approximately 125 years, and was the first ever large scale exhibit of 13 star examples at a major museum.

Mounting: The flag was mounted and framed in our own conservation department, which is led by expert staff. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and have framed thousands of examples.

The gilded molding dates to the period between 1830 and 1850. The background is black cotton twill. Spacers keep the textile away from the glass, which is U.V. protective.

Condition: There is very minor foxing and staining, but there are no significant condition issues.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1876
Latest Date of Origin: 1876
State/Affiliation: 13 Original Colonies
War Association:
Price: SOLD
 

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