Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  14 STARS, 1876, A SCARCE EXAMPLE WITH A MEDALLION CONFIGURATION AND POSSIBLE VERMONT ASSOCIATION

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 10" x 13.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 4.75" x 8.25"
Description....:
14 STARS, 1876, A SCARCE EXAMPLE WITH A MEDALLION CONFIGURATION AND POSSIBLE VERMONT ASSOCIATION:

14 star American national parade flag, printed on cotton. The stars are arranged in a medallion configuration that consists of a wreath of 9 stars, surrounding a single, center star, with flanking stars in each corner. The canton is an appealing shade of soldier blue, and the stars are particularly nice.

While the flag may have been intentionally made with 14 stars to commemorate Vermont, which became the 14th state in 1791, it may also have simply been made by accident with an additional star, with a count of 13 having been the intended number, used to reflect the 13 original colonies. In either event, 14 star flags are rare and all early flags in this star count are desirable to flag collectors and enthusiasts.

Parade flags were printed on bolts like any other fabric. I have seen pieces of flags in this exact style used in the piecework design of centennial quilts. It is interesting to note that 37 star, medallion pattern parade flags are known to have been printed alongside the 14 star flags on the same bolt of fabric with alternating placement, as was the fashion with some varieties of parade flags. Flag in this 37 star variety appear alongside the 14 star flags in all three quilts. Another quilt was also discovered with uncut bolts of the two styles of flags inside it, being used for layering and warmth.

While it seems likely that the 14 star flags had the incorrect star count and were supposed to have had 13 stars, it is also surprising that the maker of the flags didn’t add a 38th star to the official count of 37, because that is what most flag-makers did in 1876 to reflect the upcoming addition of Colorado, which joined the Union in August of that year. Some were also adding 2 stars, in anticipation that yet another Western Territory, Dakota, would become the 39th state. Flag-makers paid little heed to official star counts. Most simply wished to be one-up their competitors in hopes to sell more flags.

Mounting: The red varnished molding a scooped profile and a fluted lip and dates to around beveled profile and dates to around 1890. To this a gilded liner with striped resist decoration was added that dates to the period between 1870 and 1890. The flag 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 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 is a minor tear in the upper hoist end corner and there is minor foxing and staining throughout. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 14
Earliest Date of Origin: 1876
Latest Date of Origin: 1876
State/Affiliation: Vermont
War Association: 1866-1890 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

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