Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  13 STARS, RARE OVAL WREATH WITH TWO LARGE CENTER STARS, 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, made of materials that date to the Mexican War period or prior. The stars are arranged in a fantastic wreath design that I believe is unique among 13 star flags known to exist. This consists of an oval of stars surrounding two large central stars. The stars point in random directions on their vertical axis, which positively impacts its already strong folk quality. Adding to the flag's desirability is the relatively small size when compared to other flags of the 19th century, most of which are longer than 8 feet. The cotton-muslin stars of the flag are hand-sewn and double-appliqued. The edges of the 11 smaller stars that form the wreath were turned under and properly appliqued. The edges of the remaining 2 stars in the center were left rough and sewn by a different hand. This is interesting to note because the 2 center stars may have been added later. This would mean that the flag was likely made by a Southerner during the Civil War. The Confederacy had grown from 7 original states to a total of 11 by May of 1861. The 11 star, 13 stripe design may have resulted from the initial confusion surrounding the design of the new flag that would represent the Confederacy. Or it may have been used in Union territory during the war by a person who wished to display his/her confederate sympathy in a more subtle fashion. Sanctuary may have existed for southerners, for example, at the home or business where this flag was flown. It's also possible that the flag was made during the Mexican War or prior, and it may be that a child sewed the two large center stars while an adult appliqued the rest. The canton and stripes are hand-sewn of wool bunting. The canton is pieced with two lengths of blue bunting, the widest of which is eighteen inches. There is a linen sleeve with a period twisted cotton rope sewn to its outer edge. The length of the flag was shortened slightly at some point as a proper means of repairing wind damage. Two rows of treadle stitching were used to bind the seam at the fly end. 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, were carried by soldiers during the Civil War, and were made to commemorate American independence during the Nation's Centennial in 1876, the Sesquicentennial in 1926, and other patriotic occasions. 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 and framed in a variety of manners. Condition: The condition of the flag is excellent for the period. There are minor holes present throughout, and there are several early patches over minor damaged areas. These include four in the bottom red stripe, three in the top red stripe, and one in the top, fly-end corner of the canton.
Collector Level:
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1861
Latest Date of Origin: 1863
State/Affiliation: 13 Original Colonies
War Association: 1861-1865 Civil War
Price: No
 

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