Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  Extraordinarily Early and Important 13 Star American National Flag, ca 1820-30

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 36" x 44.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 34" x 42.5"
Description....:
From the Mastai collection comes one of the earliest American national flags you will ever encounter outside an institution. The Mastai's dated this flag to the revolutionary period, but I feel more comfortable placing it a bit later. The wool is very early, homespun, and of a crude, loom-woven variety. It is conservative to place its making in the period between 1820 and the 1830's, and reasonable to assume that the flag was possibly made to celebrate Layfayette's return visit to the u.s. in 1825-26. General Layfayette journeyed from France for a final tour of the states during those years, an event that was held with much pomp and circumstance. 13 star flags were made and displayed in honor of his direct participation in revolutionary war and the gain of American freedom. The Mastai's held the most highly publicized and one of the most important collections of American flags in the country. This flag is the exact one pictured on the cover page of the Mastai's book, "The Stars and the Stripes", 1973, which to this day still serves as the bible of flag collecting. The flag is also pictured on page 63, in the section entitled "flags of the sea". It is certainly possible that the flag was made for naval use. The u.s. navy flew 13 star flags from 1777 until 1916, because ship captains felt it of extreme importance that our standard be quickly recognized by foreign powers and pirateers on the open seas. The size of the flag is extraordinarily small for the 19th century, which makes it very desirable. But if this is a naval flag, it was probably flown from the stern, as the size is far too small for the main mast. Note that the flag has only nine stripes. Many American national flags exist without the correct number of stripes, and the reason behind their design often remains unexplained. In this case, it is reasonable to assume that the maker may have lacked adequate materials. The Mastais called this particular flag a "captain's flag" and had their own theory on the reason behind the count of 9 stripes, which, while interesting, may or may not be accurate. Construction: The stripes and canton of the flag are entirely hand-sewn of homespun wool. The glazed cotton muslin stars are double-appliqued, and there is a very narrow sleeve made either of cotton or a very fine, cotton and linen blend. Mounting: The flag has been stitched to 100% silk for support. Fabric of similar coloration was placed behind areas with fabric loss for both masking and strength. The flag was then stitched to a 100% cotton background, mounted over archival materials, and placed in a hand-painted, black and gold, distressed Italian molding. Spacers keep the textile away from the u.v. protective acrylic front. Condition: The flag is in extraordinary condition for such an early period. There was damage in the upper, hoist-end corner of the canton, caused by use. Early stitch-repairs had been made that were causing strain on this area. The repairs were removed and the fabric allowed to resume its original position. Blue linen of similar coloration was placed behind the canton for masking and support. There is also moderate hole in the bottom stripe at the fly end, and minor fabric loss in other areas. These were stabilized as necessary during the mounting process.
Collector Level:
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1820
Latest Date of Origin: 1830
State/Affiliation: 13 Original Colonies
War Association: 1777-1860 Pre-Civil War
Price: No
 

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