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  13 STARS, MEDALLION PATTERN, 1876 CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 13" x 9"
Flag Size (H x L): 2.5" x 4.25" on an 8" staff
Description....:
13 STARS, MEDALLION PATTERN, 1876 CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION:

13 star American national parade flag, printed on coarse, glazed cotton and affixed to its original staff. Made to celebrate our Nation's Centennial of Independence in 1876, the flag has a medallion pattern canton that consists of a large center star, surrounded by a wreath of eight stars, with a flanking star in each corner. This was a popular centennial design.

The most common size of these 13 star medallion pattern centennial parade flags was two by three inches on a six-inch staff. At two-and-a-half by four inches, this size is slightly larger and significantly scarcer.

This particular example has extra-wide red stripes and is more visually interesting because of it. Further, note how its staff has been hand-whittled so that it tapers to a point at the bottom, which is also attractive. Both of these features are unusual.

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 gilded American molding dates to the period between 1840 and 1860. The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton, black in color, that has been washed and treated to reduce and set the dye. Spacers keep the textile away from the glass, which is U.V. protective.

Condition: The flag retains unusually strong color and there are no significant condition issues.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1876
Latest Date of Origin: 1876
State/Affiliation: 13 Original Colonies
War Association: 1866-1890 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

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