Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  13 STARS, 1895-1926, 3-2-3-2-3 CONFIGURATION, MARKED U.S. ARMY STANDARD BUNTING

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 42.5" x 56.75"
Flag Size (H x L): 31.5" x 46"
Description....:
13 STARS, 1895-1926, 3-2-3-2-3 CONFIGURATION, MARKED "U.S. ARMY STANDARD BUNTING":

This 1895-1926 era 13 star flag was probably intended to be flown on a small military boat or a private yacht. Many people are unaware that the U.S. Navy used 13 star flags on small boats, not only in the 18th century but throughout the 19th century and into the 20th. The practice continued until just before WWI, in 1916, when President Woodrow Wilson wrote an executive order that terminated the use of 13 star flags in favor of flags with the full and current count of 48 stars.

It is possible that the U.S. Army could also have used 13 star flags on small craft required for troop transport. I have seen a small number of flags, specifically five or fewer, with "U.S. Army" markings on the hoist. All were small, like this flag, measuring roughly 3' x 4' and thus nearer to square in form than the small boat ensigns used by the Navy. Alternatively, the words "U.S. Army Standard Bunting" may simply reflect that this flag was made with the same grade of wool bunting that was supplied by its maker (the name of which is unknown) under U.S. Army contract. In other words, "U.S. Army Standard Bunting" could have simply been a brand name used by the manufacturer.

In the 1890's, American citizens began to copy the Navy by flying 13 star flags on their private boats and yachts. If this flag was not intended for military use, then use on a private boat or yacht was its most likely purpose. Many styles of 13 star private boat flags are known, and though nautical use was their intension, people could by them for whatever purpose they wished. It is for this reason that these small 13 star flags sometimes (though rarely) appear in early photographs, being flown or waved on land for patriotic purposes, such as July 4th or the 1926 Sesquicentennial Celebration, the 150-year anniversary of our nation's independence.

The canton and stripes of the flag are treadle-sewn of wool bunting. The cotton muslin stars are machine-sewn with a zigzag stitch and double-appliqued (applied to both sides of the flag). There is a twill cotton sleeve with two brass grommets.

Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% silk organza on every seam for support. It was then hand-stitched to a 100% cotton background, black in color. The black fabric was washed to remove excess dye. An acid-free agent was added to the wash to further set the dye and the fabric was heat-treated for the same purpose. The mount was then placed in a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The front is u.v. protective plexiglas.

Condition: There is moderate fading and fabric loss, particularly toward the fly end. Fabric of similar coloration was placed behind the flag for masking purposes. Many collectors prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1895
Latest Date of Origin: 1926
State/Affiliation: 13 Original Colonies
War Association:
Price: Sold
 

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