Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  13 STARS, PRIVATE YACHT ENSIGN, DUSTY BLUE COLORATION, FOUND IN MONTEREY, CA

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): n/a
Flag Size (H x L): 33" x 60"
Description....:
13 STARS, PRIVATE YACHT ENSIGN, 3-2-3-2-3 PATTERN, DUSTY BLUE COLORATION, FOUND IN MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA: 13 star flag of the type made for use on private boats and yachts between 1890 and the 150-year anniversary of our nation's independence (the sesquicentennial) in 1926. The U.S. Navy had long been using 13 star flags on small boats, and private individuals began to copy this in the last decade of the 19th century. These flags were commercially available and were likely purchased for patriotic occasions as well as for maritime use, and on rare occasion I have seen them pictured in period photos while in use on land. Most of these private boat flags measured between three and four feet in length. At five feet (less two inches for shrinkage of the wool over time), this example is unusually large. Note how the coloration of the canton has faded to a dusty blue-grey. When this trait is found in this particular weave of blue bunting, it is most often in flags that date between 1885 and 1895, and more often in the second half of that ten-year date bracket. After 1895, either flag manufacturers caught on to the fugitive dye and ordered different wool, or the textile company that was producing it changed its dying process. In any event, flags that were made with this wool and have survived to the present have an interesting presentation that many collectors find attractive. The canton and stripes of the flag are treadle-sewn of wool bunting. The cotton muslin stars are machine-sewn with a zigzag stitch and double-appliqued (applied to both sides of the flag). There is a loosely woven canvas sleeve with two brass grommets. The flag was found in Monterey, California and it is safe to assume that it may have been used on a boat that sailed the California coast. 13 star flags have been used throughout our Nation's history for a variety of purposes. In addition to their use on private yachts, the U.S. Navy used the 13 star count on small boats, both in the 18th century and through most or all of the 19th century, particularly the second half. The Navy's use of the 13 star flag ended in 1916 following an executive order written by President Woodrow Wilson. Among other uses, 13 star flags were carried by soldiers during the Mexican and Civil Wars, used at patriotic events, including Layfayette's visit in 1825-26, flown at the celebration of the Nation's Centennial in 1876 and the Sesquicentennial in 1926. Mounting: The flag has not yet been mounted. Condition: There is minor mothing, accompanied by minor foxing and staining. If desired, fabric can be placed behind the flag during the mounting process to mask the areas with losses. Since19th century flags were generally signals made for outdoor use, their condition is not viewed in the same way as samplers and quilts, which were made for indoor use and were often carefully tucked away for safekeeping after being presented as gifts. Many collectors actually prefer early flags to show their age and obvious history of use.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1890
Latest Date of Origin: 1896
State/Affiliation: California
War Association: 1866-1889 Indian Wars
Price: No
 

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