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  13 STARS, MEDALLION PATTERN, 1876 CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 10.5" x 7.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 2" x 2.75" on 6" staff
Description....:
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.

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 flew 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 served as an official signal for bypassing customs between 1848 and 1980, persists today without an official purpose.

Mounting: The softwood molding has press-decorated designs and dates to the last quarter of the 19th century. To this a modern, gilded, rippled profile molding was added as a liner. The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton twill, black in color, that was washed to remove excess dye. An acid-free agent was added to the wash to further set the dye, and the fabric was heat-treated for the same purpose. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: Excellent.
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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