Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  ENTIRELY HAND-SEWN, 13 STAR FLAG IN THE 4-5-4 PATTERN, PROBABLY A U.S. NAVY SMALL BOAT ENSIGN, MADE SOMETIME BETWEEN 1850 AND THE OPENING YEARS OF THE CIVIL WAR (1861-63)

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 49.25" x 62"
Flag Size (H x L): 37.5" x 51"
Description....:
ENTIRELY HAND-SEWN, 13 STAR FLAG IN THE 4-5-4 PATTERN, PROBABLY A U.S. NAVY SMALL BOAT ENSIGN, MADE SOMETIME BETWEEN 1850 AND THE OPENING YEARS OF THE CIVIL WAR (1861-63):

Entirely hand-sewn, 13 star American national flag. This is a probably a U.S. Navy small boat ensign, made sometime between 1850 and the opening years of the Civil War (1861-1863); probably the latter, since production increased with the need driven by war. Small boat ensigns were sometimes flown at the stern, from a gaff, or from the yard-arm on a larger vessel, or as the primary flag on a skiff or other small craft that carried sailors back and forth to shore.

The 4-5-4 lineal configuration is both scarcer and more appealing than rows of stars in counts of 3-2-3-2-3, and is generally seen on flags made during the Civil War period and prior. For some reason the 4-5-4 pattern was not popular during the celebration of our nation's 100-year anniversary of independence in 1876, or thereafter, so it is both desired and more interesting than some other 13 star designs. It is sometimes seen in the 1890's on small-scale 13 star flags produced by commercial makers, but these are scarce. There was no official star pattern for the 13 star flag set forth in the flag act of June 14th, 1777, and because the original does not survive, nor are descriptions of it recorded in public documents or private journals, no one actually knows what the very first one looked like. Due to its apparent popularity in early America, however, as evidenced by both drawings and surviving 19th century examples, more than one flag expert has hedged that lineal rows of 4-5-4 was probably the original configuration.

The flag is entirely hand-sewn. The stars are made of cotton and double-appliqued. This means that they were applied to both sides of the blue wool canton. Note how the stars point in various directions on their vertical axis, which adds a nice level of folk quality to the flag's presentation. The canton and stripes are made of wool bunting. There is a heavy linen or coarsely woven canvas binding along the hoist with two, tiny, hand-sewn, whip-stitched grommets, one each at the top and bottom. Additional holes were pierced at some point so that red wool ties could be added, not only through the two grommets, but at three points in-between. The ties are unusual and provide evidence that the flag was carried on foot. Ties like these are not often used at sea. They also contribute nicely to the visual impact of this great, small-scale flag.

The letter "C" has been stenciled along the hoist in black ink in three places. This probably denotes the first initial of the last name of the captain or the name of the ship. It could also indicate size, so that the correct flag could be selected from a folded group, although this so of marking was usually numeric.

Adding considerably to the appeal of this flag is its small size when compared to others made during the 19th century. In modern times, this flag might even be considered large, but prior to the 1890's however, it is extremely small when compared to its counterparts with sewn construction. Printed parade flags (sometimes called hand-wavers) were generally three feet long or smaller, but flags with sewn construction were generally eight feet long and larger. This is because flags needed to be seen from a distance to be effective in their purpose as signals, while today their use is more often decorative and the general display of patriotism. In the 19th century, even those flags made for decorative purpose were often large by today's standards, so the average 19th century sewn flag can be cumbersome to frame and display in an indoor setting. This is why many collectors prefer printed parade flags and smaller sewn flags, like this one.

The most common variety of U.S. Navy small boat flag measured about 6 feet in length. This one is currently about 38.5" x 50". Since Naval flags were customarily long and narrow, this particular example was certainly longer originally, probably measuring 6 feet on the fly. An elongated format was more practical for nautical use, both because it allowed for the fly end to be turned back and hemmed many times to repair losses sustained during windy use at sea, and so that a greater size could be displayed on a shorter amount of vertical space.

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. Ship captains were paranoid about the ability of foreign ships to recognize the flag on the open seas. On small flags in particular, viewed through a spyglass at a distance, the ability discern individual stars was of great concern. Keeping the count at 13 maintained better visibility and consistency. The practice theoretically ended in 1916 following an executive order from then-President Woodrow Wilson, though old military traditions die hard and according to at least one expert, Wilson's order did not completely dispel the presence of 13 star flags on U.S. Navy craft.

Some private ships flew 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 displayed at various patriotic events, including Lafayette's final visit to the U.S. in 1825-26, the celebration of the Nation's centennial of independence in 1876, and the sesquicentennial in 1926.

Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% natural fabrics for support on every seam and throughout the star field. Fabrics of similar coloration were chosen to mask losses and strengthen its color against the light background. The flag was then hand-stitched to a background of 100% hemp fabric. The mount was then placed in a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic.

Condition: The fly end of the flag has been significantly shortened during the course of its use as a customary and proper means of repair. There are minor holes throughout from obvious use and moderate soiling. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age.
Collector Level: Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1850
Latest Date of Origin: 1864
State/Affiliation: 13 Original Colonies
War Association: 1861-1865 Civil War
Price: SOLD
 

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