Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  13 STARS IN A VERY RARE "CIRCLE-IN-A-U" PATTERN, CIVIL WAR PERIOD

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L):
Flag Size (H x L): n/a
Description....:
Hand-sewn 13 star American national flag of the Civil War period with an exceptionally rare configuration of stars that is quite possibly unique to this flag. In the center of the canton there is a wreath of five stars that forms a pentagon and surrounds a single center star. Around this is a partial wreath of stars that creates a large "U", lying on its side. The stars point in various directions on their vertical axis, adding one more folk quality to this already fantastic design. Adding to its desirability is the flag's relatively small size when compared to others of the 19th century, most of which are longer than 8 feet. 13 star flags have been used throughout our Nation's history for a variety of purposes. The Navy used them on small boats from 1776 until 1916, when President Woodrow Wilson wrote an executive order that terminated this historic connection to our colonial past. They were displayed in celebration of Layfayette's final visit to the U.S. in 1825-26 and were carried by soldiers during the Mexican and Civil Wars. They were also made to commemorate American independence during the Nation's Centennial in 1876, the Sesquicentennial in 1926, and on other patriotic occasions. The cotton-muslin stars of the flag are hand-sewn and double-appliqued. The canton and stripes are hand sewn of wool bunting, and there is a fine linen sleeve with two whipped-stitched grommets. The canton is pieced with two lengths of bunting, the widest of which is eighteen inches. There are two runs of treadle stitching present in the flag. These are located in the attachment of the top and bottom red stripes. On each of these two stripes, the inner seam has two rows of stitching, both original, one done by hand and one by treadle. The binding of the outer seam is original and hand-sewn. Mounting: The flag has not yet been pressed or mounted. There are at least 3 display options: (1) For $100, a cotton or wool sleeve can be hand-sewn to the reverse of the flag, through which a metal rod can be inserted for hanging. This option is by far the least costly. (2) For an additional cost, it can be conserved and afterwards encased in a museum quality, ultra violet light protective, acrylic box. (3) It can be conserved and framed in a traditional molding. Prices of options 2 & 3 vary by size of flag and the amount of labor required. If you wish to reduce the size of the display, most large flags can be folded in a variety of manners to create a smaller display. Condition: The flags' condition is excellent for the period. There are a few minor holes with fabric loss, there is a small tear in the sleeve, and there are very small stains on a couple of the stars. There is a scattering of black stains in the stripe area. The length of the flag may have been shortened slightly in the 19th century, as a proper means of repairing wind damage.
Collector Level:
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1861
Latest Date of Origin: 1865
State/Affiliation: 13 Original Colonies
War Association: 1861-1865 Civil War
Price: No
 

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