Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
Sold Flags



  13 STARS, CIVIL WAR - CENTENNIAL ERA (1861-65 OR 1876), A LARGE-SCALE EXAMPLE

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 13.25" x 17"
Flag Size (H x L): 5.75" x 9.5"
Description....:
13 STARS, CIVIL WAR - CENTENNIAL ERA (1861-65 OR 1876), A LARGE-SCALE EXAMPLE:

13 star American national parade flag, printed on coarse, glazed cotton. Made sometime between the Civil War (1861-65) and our nation's 100-year anniversary of independence 1876, the stars are arranged in a medallion that consists of a large center star, surrounded by a wreath of eight stars, with a flanking star in each corner of the navy blue canton.

While the size might seem small, it is actually large among 1876 centennial parade flags with 13 stars. Generally speaking, the larger examples are much scarcer and their bolder presentation makes them more desirable.

Note how the stripes of the flag are orange in color. Note were printed with a pigment colored with madder, which has a red-orange hue. This is why many parade flags printed between 1850 and the 1870's have shades of red that lean strongly toward orange. This color is particularly unusual in this large variety of 13 star parade flag. Although the color does not prove a Civil War date, this fact, along with the scarcity of its presence, does suggest an earlier flag.

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

Mounting: The solid cherry molding had a beveled profile and dates to the period between 1840 and 1860. The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton, black in color, which was washed to reduce excess dye. An acid-free agent was added to the wash to further set the dye, which was heat-treated for the same purpose. Spacers keep the textile away from the glass, which is U.V. protective.

Condition: There is minor misprinting, but there are no serious condition issues.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1861
Latest Date of Origin: 1876
State/Affiliation: 13 Original Colonies
War Association: 1861-1865 Civil War
Price: SOLD
 

Views: 3197