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  13 STARS, MEDALLION PATTERN, MADE SOMETIME BETWEEN THE CIVIL WAR (1861-65) AND THE 1876 CENTENNIAL OF OUR NATION'S INDEPENDENCE, AN UNUSUAL EXAMPLE WITH ESPECIALLY ATTRACTIVE STARS AND AN UPSIDE-DOWN CENTER STAR

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 9.25" x 11.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 4" x 6"
Description....:
13 STARS, MEDALLION PATTERN, MADE SOMETIME BETWEEN THE CIVIL WAR (1861-65) AND THE 1876 CENTENNIAL OF OUR NATION'S INDEPENDENCE, AN UNUSUAL EXAMPLE WITH ESPECIALLY ATTRACTIVE STARS AND AN UPSIDE-DOWN CENTER STAR:

13 star American national parade flag, printed on coarse, glazed cotton. The stars are arranged in a medallion that consists of a large center star, surrounded by a wreath of eight stars, with a flanking star in each corner of the blue canton. This was a popular design at the time of the 100-year anniversary of our nation's independence in 1876, but can also be seen on a much smaller number of flags made during the American Civil War (1861-65). This particular variety is rare and is probably of the earlier vintage.

Note the upside down orientation of the star in the center. This has no particular connotation, but is both unusual and visually compelling. The stars on the whole are especially nice when compared to other 13 star parade flags of the 19th century.

While the size may seem small, it is actually a bit larger than most of its counterparts with 13 stars. This plus its interesting visual features provide for an especially nice example.

13 star flags have been used throughout our Nation's history for a variety of purposes. They 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 used 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 began in 1848, still persists today.

Mounting: The gilded American molding is an especially fine example that dates to the period between 1830 and 1860. 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, which was heat-treated for the same purpose. Spacers keep the textile away from the glass, which is U.V. protective.

Condition: There are minor stains and there is very minor fabric loss.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1861
Latest Date of Origin: 1876
State/Affiliation: 13 Original Colonies
War Association: 1861-1865 Civil War
Price: SOLD
 

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