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  13 STARS IN A SIX-POINTED GREAT STAR/ STAR OF DAVID PATTERN, MADE FOR THE 1876 CENTENNIAL OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 8.5" x 10.75"
Flag Size (H x L): 3" x 5"
Description....:
13 star American national parade flag, printed cotton. The stars are arranged in a six-pointed version of what is known as the "Great Star" or "Great Luminary" pattern, distinguished by one large star made out of smaller ones.

Though the reason behind the decision to select this particular design is not known, several explanations are plausible. One is that it mimics the arrangement of stars found on the Great Seal of the United States, which appears within the cloud-like formation above the American eagle. This can be most ready viewed on the flag of the President of the United States or the back of the U.S. one dollar bill.

In present times, one might identify the design as the Star of David, though this symbol, also known as the Shield of David, was not in widespread use by members of the Jewish faith until the 20th century. It could be that the star configuration draws a connection between this particular flag and a historical example of the Revolutionary War era. No 18th century flags are presently known to have survived with this pattern, however, and I know of none that are illustrated in period paintings or drawings. It may be that the source was simply lost to time, but whatever the case may be, one may note that it does represent the most logical manner by which 13 stars may be arranged in a star-shaped pattern.

Most surviving parade flags with 13 stars were produced for the 1876 celebration of our nation’s 100-year anniversary of independence and the 1890’s. This particular variety is known to have been printed alongside a rare variety of 39 star parade flag with a circular medallion star pattern that was being produced in the same year. Although 37 remained the official star count until July 4th, 1777, many flag makers added a 38th star following the addition of Colorado as the 38th state on August 1st, 1876. Many flag-makers were actually producing 39 star flags, however, in hopeful anticipation of the addition of another Western Territory, but that wouldn’t actually happen until 1889. Because flag-making was a competitive venture, all sorts of interesting things were occurring as new states entered the union and each maker vied to outsell its competitors.

One should note that what appears to be a 14th stripe is instead just the selvedge edge of the bolt of cotton fabric, on which the flag was printed.

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 1824-25, 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 while 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 a fouled anchor, which allowed pleasure boats to bypass customs between 1848 and 1980, persists today without an official purpose.

Mounting: The gilded American molding dates to the period between 1820 and 1850. The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton, black in color, that has been washed and treated to reduce 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: There are a couple of tiny dark flecks of staining, but the overall condition is excellent.
Collector Level: Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything
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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