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  13 STARS, 1861-1876 (CIVIL WAR - CENTENNIAL), THREE SIZES OF FOLKY STARS IN A MEDALLION PATTERN

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 13.25" x 10.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 7.25" x 4.5"
Description....:
13 STARS, 1861-1876 (CIVIL WAR - CENTENNIAL), THREE SIZES OF FOLKY STARS IN A MEDALLION PATTERN:

13 star American national parade flag, printed on coarse, glazed cotton, with a wreath star design that incorporates three different sizes of stars in whimsical shapes. I have found these flags with other Civil War era examples and production of this variety seems to have begun sometime within the 1861-1865 period. They may have been produced straight through until 1876, however, where they would have been used to celebrate our nation's 100-year anniversary of independence.

While seemingly small in size, this is, in fact, a rather large example among 13 star parade flags of the period. It is also one of the most beautiful examples from a folk art perspective.

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 paint-decorated and gilded American molding dates to the period between 1840 and 1870. The flag has been placed in its correct vertical position, with its canton in the upper left. It has been hand-stitched to 100% hemp fabric. Spacers keep the textile away from the glass, which is U.V. protective.

Condition: There are some areas where the pigment was laid down more heavily than others. There is minor fabric loss along the hoist end, where the flag was affixed to its original wooden staff and there is minor soiling throughout.
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: 1866-1890 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

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