13 Hand-Sewn Stars in a Medallion Pattern on a Small Scale Flag

38 Hand-Sewn Stars in a "NOTCHED" Pattern on an Antique American Flag Made at the Time When Colorado was the Most Recent State to Join the Union, 1876-1889: 38 star American natio...

Antique American flag with 13 hand-sewn stars in an extremely rare lineal configuration of 5-3-5, probably made with the intent of use by local militia or private outfitting of a vol...

13 hand sewn stars in a circular version of what is known as the 3rd Maryland pattern, with an especially large center star, a flag with especially tiny scale among those with pieced-and-sewn construction, exceptionally rare, made circa 1890: 13 star flags have been flown throughout our nation’s history for a variety of purposes. They were hoisted at patriotic events, including Lafayette’s visit in 1824-25, the celebration of the centennial of American independence in 1876, and the sesquicentennial in 1926. They were displayed during the Civil War, to reference past struggles for American liberty and victory over oppression, and were used by 19th century politicians while campaigning for the same reason. As the number of stars grew with the addition of new states, it became more and more difficult to fit their full complement on a small flag. The stars would, by necessity, have to become smaller, which made it more and more difficult to view them from a distance as individual objects. The fear was that too many of them close together would become as one white mass and distort the ability to identify American ships on the open seas. Keeping the count low allowed for better visibility. For this reason the U.S. Navy flew 13 star flags on small boats. Some private ship owners mirrored this practice and flew 13 star flags during the same period as the Navy. Flag experts disagree about the precisely when the Navy began to revert to 13 stars and other low counts. Some feel that the use of 13 star flags never stopped, which seems to be supported by depictions of ships in period artwork. This was, of course, the original number of stars on the first American national flag, by way of the First Flag Act of 1777, and equal to the number of original colonies that became states. Any American flag that has previously been official remains so according to the flag acts, so it remains perfectly acceptable to fly 13 star flags today by way of congressional law. Since there was no official star configuration until the 20th century (1912 specifically, beginning with the 48 star count), the stars on 13 star flags may appear in any one of a host of configurations. Some of these are more rare and desirable than others. The stars of this particular flag are arranged in what has come to be known as the "3rd Maryland Pattern." This configuration, whether oval or circular, is appreciated both for its visual appeal and the scarcity of its use. a circular wreath of 12 with a single star in the center. The name comes from a flag that resides at the Maryland State Capitol in Annapolis, long thought to have been present with General Daniel Morgan at the Battle of Cowpens in 1781. According to legend, the flag was supposed to have been carried by Color Sergeant William Batchelor of the 3rd Maryland Light Infantry and was donated to the State of Maryland by Batchelor's descendants. The story was disproved in the 1970's, however, following an examination by the late flag expert Grace Rogers Cooper of the Smithsonian, who discovered that the Cowpens flag was, at the earliest, of Mexican War...

31 STARS IN A MEDALLION PATTERN ON AN ELONGATED, HOMEMADE FLAG WITH A VERTICALLY-ORIENTED CANTON AND EXCEPTIONAL FOLK QUALITIES, PRE-CIVIL WAR, CALIFORNIA STATEHOOD, 1850-1858 31 s...

13 HAND-SEWN STARS, IN AN OVAL VERSION OF THE 3RD MARYLAND PATTERN, ON AN ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG MADE IN THE PERIOD BETWEEN THE CIVIL WAR (1861-65) AND THE 1876 CENTENNIAL OF AMERICAN...

42 Hand-sewn Stars on an Antique American Flag with a Dusty Blue Canton; An Unofficial Star Count, Reflects Washington Statehood, Circa 1889-1890: 42 star American national flag, ...

This a 36-star medallion American flag, with a magnificent and rare star pattern and campaign connection. 36 stars celebrate the addition of Nevada to the Union and officially flew f...

This is a striking printed 38-star American flag. The 38-star flag celebrated the addition of Colorado to the Union. This flag features a triple medallion star pattern, with three ri...

This Great framed Folk Art sham with 48star flag and ship ribbons is a great patriotic item. The top left corner as well as the bottom right corner are scraps of a 48 star linen flag and in between them are ribbons of ships names that are sewn together in a collage. The American ships span three centuries of ships ribbons, from late 19th century to present day ships. As well as the "USS Utah" which was sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor. This great and proud sham is not only a great American item but is a Symbol of hope and unity throughout the ages. Serves better as a hanging Folk Art...

ABOUT This is an original monumental American flag made by Valley Forge Co. with 48 hand sewn stars and stripes. It is in good condition and has metal grommets to hang. CREATO...

ABOUT An original fabric large American flag with brass grommets and 48 stars. CREATOR Valley Forge Flag Co. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1940-1950. MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES ...

About This is an original monumental American flag made with 48 hand sewn stars and stripes. It is in good condition and has brass grommets to hang. Creator unknown. Date of m...