13 STARS, MEDALLION PATTERN,

1876 CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION:

13 star American national parade flag, printed on coarse, glazed cotton and affixed to its original staff.  Made to celebrate our nation’s centennial of independence in 1876, the flag has a medallion pattern canton that consists of a large center star, surrounded by a wreath of eight stars, with a flanking star in each corner.  This was a popular centennial design.

13 star flags have been used throughout our Nation’s history for a variety of purposes.  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.  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 from 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.

Mounting: The paint-decorated molding dates to the period between 1880 and 1900.   The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton rag mat.  Spacers keep the textile away from the glass, which is u.v. protective.