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  13 STARS, BETSY ROSS STYLE CONFIGURATION, 1900-1926, A WHIMSICAL HOMEMADE FLAG

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 35" x 49"
Flag Size (H x L): 25.25" x 38"
Description....:

13 STARS, BETSY ROSS WREATH-STYLE CONFIGURATION,1900-1926, A WHIMSICAL HOMEMADE FLAG:

13 star American national flag with Betsy Ross-style wreath configuration, probably made in the first quarter of the 20th century for use on Independence Day, or during WWI, or for the 1926 sesquicentennial celebration (the 150-year anniversary of our nation's independence). This is a wonderful, homemade example, with just the kind of whimsical qualities that accompany such flags. The best feature is the rather large, fat, starfish-shaped stars, which exhibit a wonderful folk quality.

The flag is entirely made of cotton. The canton and stripes are pieced with treadle-stitching and the stars are appliqued by the same method. The flag is one-sided, which is typical of homemade examples of Betsy Ross pattern flags. The fly end was bound with hand-stitching.

13 star flags have been used throughout our nation's history for a variety of purposes. In addition to their use on private boats and at the sesquicentennial, they were also used on any number of other patriotic occasions. The Navy flew 13 star flags on small boats, not only in the 18th century, but also throughout most or all of the 19th century, particular the second half. This practice ended just before WWI, in 1916, when President Woodrow Wilson wrote an executive order that terminated its use in favor of the 48 star flag. 13 star flags were made to commemorate Lafayette's final visit to the U.S. in 1825-26, were carried by soldiers during the Mexican and Civil Wars, and made to celebrate the nation's centennial of independence in 1876.

Mounting: the flag has been hand-stitched to 100% silk organza on every seam for support. It was then hand-stitched to a background of 100% cotton twill, black in color. The background fabric 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. The flag was then placed in a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed, contemporary Italian molding. The front is u.v. protective plexiglas.

Condition: There is both fading and fabric loss throughout, but it is one of those cases where the loss and wear add character to the flag's appearance, displaying its history of use.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1900
Latest Date of Origin: 1926
State/Affiliation: 13 Original Colonies
War Association:
Price: SOLD
 

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