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  ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH 13 STARS, MADE IN THE CIVIL WAR - CENTENNIAL ERA (1861-1876), WITH THREE SIZES OF FOLKY STARS IN A MEDALLION PATTERN

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 11.25" x 14.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 4.5" x 7.25"
Description....:
13 STARS, 1861-1876 (CIVIL WAR - CENTENNIAL), THREE SIZES OF FOLKY STARS IN A MEDALLION PATTERN:

13 star American national parade flag, printed on coarse, glazed cotton, with a wreath star design that incorporates three different sizes of stars in whimsical shapes. I have found these flags with other Civil War era examples and production of this variety seems to have begun sometime within the 1861-1865 period. They may have been produced straight through until 1876, however, where they would have been used to celebrate our nation's 100-year anniversary of independence.

While seemingly small in size, this is, in fact, a rather large example among 13 star parade flags of the period. It is also one of the most beautiful examples from a folk art perspective.

13 star flags have been used throughout our nation's history for a variety of purposes. Among other uses, 13 star flags 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 served as an official signal for bypassing customs between 1848 and 1980, persists today without an official purpose.

Mounting: The solid walnut molding dates to the period between 1860 and 1880 and retains excellent early surface. The late 19th century gilded molding was added to the frame as a liner. Then flag has been hand-sewn to background of 100% cotton twill, black in color, which was washed to reduce 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. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: There is some misprinting of blue along the hoist and very minor fabric loss.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1861
Latest Date of Origin: 1876
State/Affiliation: 13 Original Colonies
War Association:
Price: SOLD
 

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