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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): 13.75" x 10.75"
Flag Size (H x L): 7.5" 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 flown throughout our nation's history for a variety of purposes. They were hoisted at patriotic events, including Lafayette's visit in 1825-26, the celebration of the nation's centennial in 1876, and the Sesquicentennial in 1926. They were displayed during the Civil War, to reference past struggles for American liberty and victory over oppression, and were used by 19th century politicians in political campaigning for the same reason. The U.S. Navy used the 13 star count on small boats until 1916, because it was easier to discern fewer stars at a distance on a small flag. Commercial flag-makers mirrored this practice and some private ships flew 13 star flags during the same period as the Navy. The use of yachting ensigns with a wreath of 13 stars surrounding an fouled anchor, which allowed pleasure boats to bypass customs between 1848 and 1980, persists today without an official purpose.

Mounting: The solid walnut molding has ebonized trim and a gilded liner and dates to the period between 1870 and 1890. The flag has been placed in its correct vertical position, with its canton in the upper left. It 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 glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: Excellent. There are no significant 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: 1866-1890 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

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