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  EXCEPTIONALLY RARE AND EARLY, 21-STAR AMERICAN NATIONAL FLAG, WITH EMBROIDERED STARS IN TWO SIZES, ARRANGED IN A FANCIFUL SNOWFLAKE MEDALLION; ILLINOIS STATEHOOD, 1818-1820

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 47" x 53.75"
Flag Size (H x L): 36" x 42.5"
Description....:
EXCEPTIONALLY RARE AND EARLY, 21-STAR AMERICAN NATIONAL FLAG, WITH EMBROIDERED STARS IN TWO SIZES, ARRANGED IN A FANCIFUL SNOWFLAKE MEDALLION; ILLINOIS STATEHOOD, 1818-1820:

This 21-star American national flag is period to the use of that star count (1818-1820), making it one of the earliest Stars & Stripes I have ever had the privilege to own. The 21st state, Illinois, entered the Union on December 3rd, 1818. The 21 star flag became official on July 4th of the following year, 1819, and was replaced by the 23 star flag on July 4th, 1820. Because Americans seem to have added stars to the flag irrespective of federal regulations, most 21 star flags were probably made before the addition of the 22nd state, on December 14th, 1819, which means that the 21 star flag was realistically produced and used for a period of just one year.

This is one of four 21 star flags that I have been lucky enough to acquire. All of these have different yet dynamic star configurations. All three are rare and highly desired among flag enthusiasts, demonstrating the great folk qualities present in early star designs. But this particular flag, hands-down, has one of the most spectacular star fields I have ever seen and, in consideration of its early date, its rare, small size, its condition, and its overall presentation, is one of the best Stars & Stripes that I have ever encountered.

The flag is made of entirely of hand-sewn silk with a metallic bullion fringe. This portion of its construction, alone, often provides the foundation for a strong presentation. But what really takes this flag to the stratosphere, in my opinion, are its plump and marvelously whimsical, embroidered stars made of white silk floss, with arms in various lengths, in two distinctly different sizes. And as if that wasn't enough, they are arranged in one of the most attractive patterns that I have ever seen. This can probably be categorized as a "snowflake medallion", which is a term I use for flags that have a series of wreath patterns, but the wreaths are oddly spaced and/or have some unusual characteristics that remind me more of a snowflake than a series of circles. Not unlike snowflakes, such patterns are often unique. Further, the stars naturally form secondary patterns that call to mind others terms that might be just as accurate in their description. For example, note how the large stars in the center of this flag form a five-pointed star, which is so skinny that it really looks more like the spokes of a wheel or a spur. In between each pair of arms, at their outermost point, is another star, and together these nine perimeter stars (the five outer points and the four stars in between) form a circular wreath. Take all these together and they form a five-spoke wheel, with five smaller stars caught up in the center. No matter how you view it, however, the star pattern is one of the best in all of flag collecting.

Verbal provenance relates that this flag belonged to Adam Miller, a flag bearer in the Light Guard (a company within the 12th Regiment, 4th Brigade) of the New York Militia, during the 1850's. The flag is said to have been presented to Miller and his wife by the wife of his former commander, Captain Roth, as a 50th wedding anniversary gift in 1906. Miller was the last surviving member of his company.

The sewing employed throughout the flag is of the extraordinary quality seen in the piecing of silk in this era. Such skill was necessary in sewing the fine fabric. But presence of the bullion fringe is unusual in my experience with 1st quarter, 19th century Stars & Stripes. It isn't often seen in flag-making until the Mexican and Civil Wars, but is an item of early Parisian manufacture, and it didn't experience a great deal of change between the early 19th century and the 1870's. Bullion fringe was appropriately named. While its composition changed during the late 19th century, during the Civil War and prior it was actually spun from a mixed metal comprised of approximately 2% gold bullion and 98% sterling silver. It was used in the making of early military uniforms and its extension to decoration on flags was logical extension.

The embroidered stars are also unusual. Flag-makers preferred oil-painted stars on silk flags until the last quarter of the 19th century. Sometime around 1872, the introduction of embroidery machines in American textile manufacture greatly simplified the task of embroidering stars. From that point on, hand-painted stars are seldom seen on silk flags, giving way to machine-embroidered stars. The embroidery on this flag, however, is executed by hand with great skill but notable variation. The flag could well be of French manufacture for the American market, which would explain its slight eccentricities. It would explain the use of silk floss for the stars and the braided silk cord along the hoist end. American and France were close during this time and traded extensively. The French painted elements on silk flags as well, but French skill in embroidery far exceeded our own, thus was more efficient and could be deemed a more reasonable method for star construction.

In any event, the flag was not made for a poor man. Wealthy individuals displayed extravagance by purchasing items made abroad. The silk fabric, French bullion, and fancy hand-embroidery work is indicative of its costliness and intent for a well-heeled recipient. Volunteer militias were staffed by men of means. Probably the flag was presented to the New York State volunteer militia during the 1818-1819 period by a wealthy donor. Outside of wartime, the reason men joined state and local militias was actually more social than to serve and protect. This would explain how such a costly flag was privately commissioned and gifted, eventually coming to rest in the hands of the last man of his unit, with respect for his long commitment to the militia, which, more likely than not, was the primary social focus of his day-to-day life.

Mounting: This is a pressure-mount between 100% cotton velvet and U.V. protective plexiglas. The black velvet was 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 mount was placed in a black-painted and hand-gilded, contemporary Italian molding.

Condition: There are minor splits near the fly end and some losses in the bullion fringe. This is absolutely exceptional condition for a flag of this period, placing it in the top 95% of known examples.
Collector Level: Flags for the truest Patriots. My best offerings
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 21
Earliest Date of Origin: 1818
Latest Date of Origin: 1820
State/Affiliation: Illinois
War Association: 1777-1860 Pre-Civil War
Price: Please call (717) 676-0545 or (717) 502-1281
 

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