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  13 STAR PRIVATE YACHT ENSIGN WITH A "STAR BRAND" MAKER'S LABEL, AN ELONGATED FORMAT, A PLEASANTLY SHAPED ANCHOR AND A NICE SHAD OF INDIGO BLUE, 1910-1920's ERA

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 34.25" x 48.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 22.75" x 37.5"
Description....:
13 STAR PRIVATE YACHT ENSIGN WITH A "STAR BRAND" MAKER'S LABEL, AN ELONGATED FORMAT, A PLEASANTLY SHAPED ANCHOR AND A NICE SHADE OF INDIGO BLUE, 1910-1920's ERA:

The medallion configuration, 13-star, 13-stripe flag with a canted center anchor was entered into official use in 1848, following an act of Congress, that made it the official signal for U.S. pleasure sailing vessels. The need for such a flag arose with the popularity of boating as a pastime for well-to-do Americans, and as a competitive sport, in addition to its longstanding utilitarian role as a vehicle of trade. In early America, all boats were subject to customs searches at every port. Without modern income tax, the federal government derived its revenues mostly from tariffs, so an accounting of foreign goods on ships was a critical venture. As yachting for pleasure became more prevalent, however, more and more time was spent searching boats that had no such inventory, wasting time for both customs officials and wealthy ship owners.

John Cox Stevens (1775 - 1857), one of the most important members of New York society, was responsible for bringing this flag to fruition. Stevens was the paternal grandson of John Stevens Jr., New Jersey delegate to the Second Continental Congress, and the son of Revolutionary War officer, Colonel John Stevens, a pioneer in the development of steamboats and purchaser of what is now the City of Hoboken. Among other ventures, John Cox Stevens served as president of the Jockey Club (United Kingdom), was a founding member and 2nd president of New York's Union Club (est. 1836), and founding Commandant of the New York Yacht Club (elected 1844/est. 1845). He was part of the syndicate that own the yacht "America," which, in 1851, won the trophy that would eventually be named in its honor, the America's Cup.

In 1847, Stevens approached the secretary of the treasury and suggested that something be done to streamline the customs process for non-trade vessels. In 1848, legislation passed Congress requiring registration of these boats, which could then fly the “American Yachting Signal” to bypass customs. This remained on the books until the 1980’s. Though the 1848 legislation was revoked, flags in this design, flown for decorative function, continues to this day.

The canton and the stripes of the flag are made of wool bunting that has been pieced with machine stitching. The stars and anchor are made of cotton and are double-appliquéd with a zigzag machine stitch. This type of stitch was patented for use on flags in 1892 and quickly became the most common way to appliqué stars and remained so until after WWII. There is a twill cotton header with two white metal grommets (probably zinc), along which is a sewn-on label that reads "Star Brand; Reg. U.S. Pat. Off.; All Wool Bunting". This is probably not the name of the maker, but rather a brand name used to designate the grade of wool bunting within the maker's line. It's an early label that I don't recall having before encountered and probably dating within the 1910-1920's period.

The profile of this particular flag is more elongated than most flags seen in this format. The anchor has a more pleasant form than most and the canton is an attractive shade of indigo blue. Because of these features and the nice, attractive label, it is a fine example of the form.

13 star flags have been used throughout our nation's history for a variety of purposes. In addition to their use on private yachts, the U.S. Navy used the 13 star count on small boats, both in the 18th century and through most or all of the 19th century, particularly the second half. The Navy’s use of the 13 star flag ended in 1916 following an executive order written by President Woodrow Wilson. Among other uses, 13 star flags were carried by soldiers during the Mexican and Civil Wars, used at patriotic events, including Lafayette’s visit in 1825-26, flown at the celebration of the nation’s centennial in 1876 and the sesquicentennial in 1926.

Mounting: The flag has been stitched to 100% silk organza on every seam and throughout the star field for support. The flag was hand-stitched to its background, which is 100% hemp fabric. The mount was placed in a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The front is U.V. protective acrylic.

Condition: There is very minor soiling throughout and there is a small red ink or dye stain along the white hoist binding. The grommets have corroded from use. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1910
Latest Date of Origin: 1929
State/Affiliation: 13 Original Colonies
War Association:
Price: SOLD
 

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