Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  13 STARS, 1876-98, A VERY RARE PRINTED EXAMPLE, UNUSUALLY LARGE, PROBABLY MADE IN CANADA

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 22.5" x 32"
Flag Size (H x L): 14.5" x 24"
Description....:
13 STARS, 1876-98, A VERY RARE PRINTED EXAMPLE, UNUSUALLY LARGE, PROBABLY MADE IN CANADA:

13 star American national parade flag, printed on cotton, made sometime in the period between 1876 and 1898. This is a very rare size for the 13 star count in a printed flag. Most are very small (less than 10"). Before purchasing a small group of about eight of these flags some years ago, I had never before seen an example that bore any resemblance. The group was found in Canada, and were almost certainly made there for the American market, or made in the states for the Canadian market for an event where there was U.S. involvement. Whatever the case may be, other flags in the same exact style have since been found in Canada and Canadian manufacture would explain the scarcity.

One may note that there is additional white fabric below the 13th stripe. Sometimes space like this was left between one parade flag and the next that appeared along the same bolt of fabric on which they were printed. These were then clipped apart and tacked to sticks, so that they may be waved at parades, military reunions and political events. Many printed flags would have been clipped apart at general stores at the time of purchase, or at the actual event where they were given away as souvenirs, so the clipping was sometimes hasty and the location of where they were trimmed varied from one flag to the next.

13 star flags have been used throughout our Nation's history for a variety of purposes. 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 of President Woodrow Wilson. Some private ships also 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 began in 1848, still persists today. Among other uses, 13 star flags were carried by soldiers during the Mexican and Civil Wars and were used at patriotic events, including Layfayette's visit in 1825-26, the celebration of the Nation's centennial in 1876, and the sesquicentennial in 1926.

Mounting: The flag has been stitched to 100% cotton rag mat and placed in a solid walnut frame, with a gilded liner, that dates to the period between 1870 and 1890. 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 serious 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: 1898
State/Affiliation: 13 Original Colonies
War Association: 1898 Spanish American War
Price: SOLD
 

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