Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  Great Centennial Example -- 13 Stars -- Calico Patch -- Cornflower Blue Canton

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): n/a
Flag Size (H x L): Great Centennial Example -- 13 Stars -- Calico Patch -- Cornflower Blue Canton
Description....:
13 Star American National Flag, likely made for the Centennial Celebration in 1876, but possibly dating as late as the turn-of-the-century. The stars appear in a 3-2-3-2-3 formation on a faded cornflower blue canton that is as attractive as any I have ever seen. The top row of stars point downward, the stars in the bottom row point upward, but those in-between vary in their vertical alignment. Note that the 3-2-3-2-3 formation results in a secondary pattern that consists of a diamond of stars with one in the center and one in each corner. The canton, stripes, and stars of the flag are all treadle-sewn and made of cotton. The open sleeve was intended to accept a rope hoist, and is also cotton. In the 2nd red stripe there is a period patch made of red calico fabric. The patch adds a great deal of charm to this fantastic homemade flag. 13 star flags have been used throughout our Nation's history for a variety of purposes. In addition to their use during the Centennial Celebration, the U.S. Navy used the 13 star count on small boats, both in the 18th century and starting again in the mid 19th century. The Navy's use of the 13 star flag ended in 1916 following an executive order from then-President Woodrow Wilson. 13 star flags were displayed in celebration of Layfayette's final visit to the U.S. in 1825-26, were carried by soldiers during the Civil War, and were made to commemorate American independence on other patriotic occasions. Mounting: The flag has been stitch-mounted to a cotton muslin background and placed over a wooden strainer with mat board in-between. We did not mount this flag. The mount is effective and attractive but falls short of what I might recommend from an archival standpoint. There are at least 2 other display options: (1) For an additional cost it can be conserved and afterwards encased in a museum quality, ultra violet light protective, acrylic box. (2) It can be conserved and framed in a traditional molding. Prices of options 1 & 2 vary by size of flag, the amount of labor required, and the molding used. Condition: The flag is in an excellent state of preservation for the period. There is a small stain along the bottom of the canton. There is also a hole with a red calico cotton patch (previously mentioned). Otherwise there is very minor foxing and staining.
Collector Level: Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1876
Latest Date of Origin: 1876
State/Affiliation: 13 Original Colonies
War Association: 1866-1889 Indian Wars
Price: No
 

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