Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  13 STARS IN A MEDALLION PATTERN ON A BEAUTIFUL, FADED, CORNFLOWER BLUE CANTON, CIVIL WAR PERIOD (1861-65) OR CENTENNIAL (1876), A WONDERFUL AND DYNAMIC EXAMPLE

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 63.25" x 84"
Flag Size (H x L): 49" x 70"
Description....:
13 STARS IN A MEDALLION PATTERN ON A BEAUTIFUL, FADED, CORNFLOWER BLUE CANTON, CIVIL WAR PERIOD (1861-65) OR CENTENNIAL (1876), A WONDERFUL AND DYNAMIC EXAMPLE:

13 star American national flag, made sometime between the Civil War (1861-65) and the 100-year anniversary of our nation's independence in 1876. This wonderfully bold, homemade example may seem large at approximately four by six feet, but for the 19th century it is uncommonly small. The hand-sewn stars are arranged in a medallion configuration that consists of a center star, surrounded by a wreath of stars, with a single star flanking the wreath in each corner of the beautifully faded, cornflower blue canton.

The time frame of likely manufacture is small, but it encompasses two major events in American history. Thus it could have been produced for one of two reasons. If it is of the Civil War period, it was likely made as a presentation flag for a volunteer unit, by local women, to be presented to the unit when it mustered into service. Often there was some lag time between the mustering point and the acceptance of state-issued national colors. Presentation flags served the unit until these colors were received and would also have been carried during parades and special events. 13 stars were used as a throwback to our nation's previous struggle for freedom during the American Revolution. If the flag is of the 1876 era, however, then it was most certainly used to celebrate 100 years of American independence.

The construction of the flag suggests that it could be of either period. Both the stripes and canton of the flag are made of cotton that has been pieced with treadle stitching. The treadle sewing machine had been mass-produced by Singer in 1855 and most flags of the Civil War period have at least some treadle stitching, which is usually limited to the lineal piecework in the stripes. The stars of the flag are made of cotton, hand-sewn, and double appliqued (applied to both sides) of the canton. There is a narrow cotton sleeve, through with a hemp rope was threaded and sewn in place for hoisting.

The proportions and color of the flag, as well as its relatively small size, beautiful star pattern, nice early date, and attractive exhibition of wear, all combine to make it a stunning example, great for either the one-time buyer or collector.

13 star flags have been used throughout our nation's history for a variety of purposes. 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 of President Woodrow Wilson. Some private ships also 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. Among other uses, 13 star flags were carried by soldiers during the Mexican and Civil Wars, and were used at patriotic events, including Lafayette's visit in 1825-26, the celebration of the Nation's Centennial in 1876, and the Sesquicentennial in 1926.

Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% silk organza on every seam and throughout the star field. The flag was then hand-sewn to background of 100% cotton, black in color, which has been washed to remove 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. The flag was then placed in a black-painted and hand-gilded, contemporary Italian molding. The front is U.V. protective acrylic.

Condition: There is minor to moderate foxing and staining throughout, accompanied by minor to moderate fabric loss, particularly at the top and bottom of the fly end half of the flag. There are some stitched repairs. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use. This flag was certainly flown for an extended period and shows its age beautifully. Sometimes losses can actually add to the visual attractiveness of an early flag and that is certainly the case here.
Collector Level: Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1861
Latest Date of Origin: 1876
State/Affiliation: 13 Original Colonies
War Association: 1866-1890 Indian Wars
Price: SOLD
 

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