Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  13 STARS, 1890-1910, BETSY ROSS-STYLE CONFIGURATION, PROBABLY SCHOOLGIRL-MADE

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 23.25" x 25.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 14" x 16"
Description....:
13 STARS, 1890-1910, BETSY ROSS-STYLE WREATH CONFIGURATION, PROBABLY SCHOOLGIRL-MADE, RARE SMALL SIZE WITH SEWN CONSTRUCTION: 13 star American national flag with Betsy Ross-style wreath configuration, most likely made by a schoolgirl for use on Independence day or some other patriotic occasion. The flag has several unusual characteristics that make it interesting from a folk art standpoint. One of these is the starfish-like shape of the stars and the irregularity of their positioning. Another characteristic is the flag's shape, which is nearly square. The cornflower blue coloration of the canton is a highly sought after trait, and the fragmented, brittle state adds a very attractive element to the overall presentation. The combination of the flag's very small size and its sewn construction is highly desired. Very few early flags are handmade in this size. The flag's cotton stripes are hand-sewn, and the cotton stars are affixed with glue. While this construction is less desirable than sewn stars, it makes far less difference when the folk quality of a flag achieves the level of this one. Although made around the turn-of-the-century (1890-1910), this is one of the earliest "perfect circle" or "Betsy Ross" pattern flags that you will ever encounter. While we are taught in grammar school that this was what our first flag looked like, there is unfortunately no way to prove the claim. No colonial examples have survived with this pattern of stars. In fact, I have never seen a Betsy Ross pattern flag made prior to the 1890's. It was during this time that Betsy Ross' granddaughter (Rachel Albright) and great granddaughter (Sarah M. Wilson) operated a cottage industry in the East Wing of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, making hand-sewn flags for tourists. They proudly claimed that this was what the first flag looked like, but no hard evidence exists to substantiate it. 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. The practice ended in 1916 following an executive order from 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 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: This is a pressure-mount between 100% cotton velvet and u.v. protective plexiglas. The cotton was washed in an acid-free agent to set and remove excess dye. The frame is an 1840-1870 gilded example.
Collector Level: Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1890
Latest Date of Origin: 1910
State/Affiliation: 13 Original Colonies
War Association:
Price: No
 

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