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13 STARS, 1892-1910, A VERY SCARCE EXAMPLE IN THE 4-5-4 PATTERN, WITH SATIN RIBBON TIES, IN A GREAT SMALL SIZE
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Description: |
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13 STARS, 1892-1910, A VERY SCARCE EXAMPLE IN THE 4-5-4 PATTERN, WITH SATIN RIBBON TIES, IN A GREAT SMALL SIZE:
13 star flag of the type made for use on private boats and yachts in the 1890-1926 era. The U.S. Navy had long been using 13 star flags on small boats, and private individuals began to copy this in the last decade of the 19th century. These flags were commercially available and were sometimes purchased for patriotic occasions as well as for maritime use. On rare occasion I have seen period photos of such flags in use on land.
The stars are configured in rows of 4-5-4, which is very scarce during this period and very seldom seen on private yacht flags, more than ninety percent of which display either rows of 3-2-3-2-3 or a medallion configuration with a central star and a star in each corner. Because the 4-5-4 pattern is most often seen in flags dating to the Civil War and prior, including both examples and drawings of flags the presumably dating as early as the 18th century, its basic appearance seems earlier to many viewers and the star pattern is much preferred over the 3-2-3-2-3.
The flag has no formal hoist binding or sleeve, which means that while the flag-maker likely produced it with nautical use in mind, it was likely made available without a sleeve at a slightly reduced cost, with the presumption that it would be flown for general patriotism. The flag�s owner apparently affixed the red, satin silk ribbon ties along the hoist so that the flag could be affixed to a staff. These add a great visual element to its presentation. The canton and stripes of the flag are machine-sewn of wool bunting. The stars are made of cotton. double-appliqu�d (applied to both sides of the flag), and machine-sewn with a zigzag stitch.
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. The practice ended in 1916 following an executive order of President Woodrow Wilson. Some private ships also used 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 patriotic events, including Lafayette�s visit in 1825-26, the celebration of the Nation�s Centennial in 1876, and the Sesquicentennial in 1926.
Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% silk for support on every seam and throughout the star field. Fabric of similar coloration was placed behind the flag for masking purposes. The flag was then hand-sewn to background of 100% cotton twill, black in color. The background fabric has been 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 mount was then placed in a black-painted and hand-gilded, contemporary Italian molding. The front is U.V. protective acrylic.
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| Inventory Number: |
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Dealer |
Jeff R. Bridgman American Antiques, llc |
| Contact |
Jeff Bridgman |
Phone: (717) 502-1281 |
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| Period: |
19th Century (1801-1900) |
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| Date: |
1892-1910 |
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| Origin: |
American |
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| Condition: |
see description |
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| Measurements: |
flag: 29.75" x 50", frame: 39.75" x 59.75" |
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| Inventory |
Other Inventory by this Dealer |
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| Web-site: |
http://www.jeffbridgman.com |
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| Price: |
SOLD |
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| E-mail: |
Inquire
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