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  13 STARS IN THE BETSY ROSS PATTERN, AN EXTREMELY SCARCE SEWN EXAMPLE IN A TINY SIZE, 1895-1926

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 27.25" x 35"
Flag Size (H x L): 16.25" x 24"
Description....:
13 STARS IN THE BETSY ROSS PATTERN, AN EXTREMELY SCARCE SEWN EXAMPLE IN A TINY SIZE, 1895-1926:

13 star American national flag, made in the period between 1895 and the 1920's, with what is known as the "Betsy Ross", wreath style configuration of stars.

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 encountered just one example of a Betsy Ross pattern flag that pre-dates the 1890's. It wasn't until the very close of the 19th century that Betsy Ross' granddaughter (Rachel Albright), began a cottage industry in the East Wing of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, making hand-sewn flags for tourists. Betsy's great granddaughter, Sarah M. Wilson, joined the endeavor shortly thereafter. Rachel and Sarah proudly claimed that this was what the first flag looked like, but no hard evidence exists to substantiate it.

Before the 1890's, commercial flags with sewn construction were typically 8-feet long and larger. In the last decade of the 19th century, commercial flag-makers started to produce much smaller flags in the 13 star count specifically, primarily for use on private yachts and on patriotic occasions. The smallest of these seen with any regularity measured 2 x 3 feet. Measuring just 16 x 24 inches, this particular flag is unusually tiny, even among its small counterparts. Smaller sizes are generally more desirable among flag collectors, because they are easy to frame and display in an indoor setting.

It is interesting to note that flags of this same period (18901-1920's) with pieced-and-sewn construction, bearing the full compliment of 45 or 46 stars (1896-1912), were apparently unavailable in lengths of 3 feet or less, except by special order. Even those 48 star flags produced before 1930 were seldom just 3 feet in length.

Although it is impossible to know precisely how this small 13-star flag was used, the 1926 celebration of our nation's 150-year anniversary is a strong possibility.

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 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 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 Lafayette's visit in 1825-26, the celebration of the Nation's centennial in 1876, and the sesquicentennial in 1926.

Construction: The flag is made of machine-sewn of wool bunting with double-appliqued cotton stars and there is a twill cotton sleeve with two brass grommets. The stars are applied with a zigzag stitch, which came into use around 1890 and was the most common method of applying stars from about 1895 throughout most of the 20th century.

Mounting: The solid walnut frame has a gilded liner, retains its original surface, and dates to the period between 1860 and 1880. The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% hemp fabric. The front is U.V. protective acrylic.

Condition: There is minor to moderate mothing, accompanied by a vertical separation in the center of the bottom center stripe. There is minor staining and dye transfer. There is uneven shrinkage of the stripe field with respect to the canton. Many collectors prefer early flags to show their age and history of use. The flag has an endearing presentation. This fact plus the scarcity of extremely small, antique flags with sewn construction warrants its condition.
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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