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  UNITED STATES NAVY SMALL BOAT ENSIGN WITH 13 HAND-SEWN STARS, ONE OF THE SMALLEST THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN IN THIS TINY SIZE, MADE BY THE NAVY IN THE PHILIPPINES IN 1903

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 42.5" x 31.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 31.75" x 20"
Description....:
UNITED STATES NAVY SMALL BOAT ENSIGN WITH 13 HAND-SEWN STARS, ONE OF THE SMALLEST THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN IN THIS TINY SIZE, MADE BY THE NAVY IN THE PHILIPPINES IN 1903:

13 star American national flag of the type used by the U.S. Navy on small boats around the turn-of-the-century. I have owned many of these flags, made by the Navy at the Navy Yard in New York or Mare Island, California (the latter being far more rare), but seldom are examples encountered that were made by the Navy at their base in Cavite in the Philippine Islands. In addition this is an extraordinarily small size. Measuring just 2.5 feet in length, the flag is significantly smaller than anything that was being produced in this period for either the military or private market, among those flags with pieced-and-sewn construction. Printed flags, intended for very short-term use at parades and political events, were generally 3 feet long or smaller, but sewn flags were typically 8 feet or better, as large size was very important to their function as signals. There was very little need for extended use flags like this one in such a small size. I have encountered only three or four examples among those with U.S. Navy markings.

Until the 1920's, sewn flags with the full star count were simply not produced except in rare instances. The only exceptions are 13 star private yacht ensigns, which were flown on private boats and became popular during the 1890's. These were usually 3 or 4 feet in length and were sewn entirely by machine.

The fact that this flag has hand-sewn stars is a very nice feature. Flags being produced at the New York Navy Yard at this time were appliqued with a zigzag, machine stitch, as were most flags made by all makers. The old-world style of hand applique is evidence of the lack of skill developed in performing applique work by machine among the Philippine labor force that the Navy hired to produce its flags.

By the same token, while the flags made at Mare Island and New York were stenciled with identification on the reverside side of their sleeves, the markings on this example were instead inscribed by hand with a dip pen. They read as follows: "U.S. E. [Ensign] No. 10, U.S.N.Y. [Navy Yard] Cavite P.I. Mar. 10 1903."

The stars are arranged in the 3-2-3-2-3 configuration, which is the most common design in 19th century flags with 13 stars. Note how this creates a secondary pattern that forms a diamond of stars with a star in each corner. It also mimics the St. Andrews and St. Georges crosses found on the British Union Jack.

13 star flags have been used throughout our Nation's history for a variety of purposes. In addition to their use on small Navy boats, they were displayed in celebration of Lafayette's final visit to the U.S. in 1825-26, carried by soldiers during the Mexican and Civil Wars, and made to commemorate American independence during the Nation's Centennial in 1876, the Sesquicentennial in 1926, and other patriotic occasions.

Construction: The stars of the flag are made of cotton, hand-sewn, and double-appliqued. The coarse linen hoist has three, unusually large brass grommets. Each grommet reads: "Pat'd Aug. 26, 1884, No. 2". No. "0" grommets, which are significantly smaller, are usually seen on larger flags, so the presence of such large grommets on such a small flag probably represents use of whatever stock was available. The presence of the patent dating is a very nice feature. Grommets on other types of flags are never so specifically marked.

Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton, black in color, which was washed to reduce excess dye. An acid-free agent was added to the wash and the fabric was heat-treated for the same purpose. The mount was then placed in a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The front is U.V. protective acrylic.

Condition: There is very minor mothing, but the flag is in extraordinary condition for a wool flag of the period, especially one so scarce.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1903
Latest Date of Origin: 1903
State/Affiliation: 13 Original Colonies
War Association:
Price: SOLD
 

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