Skip to main content

Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

29
to
2
29
29
29
29
2
1
1
19
10
6
1
2
1
1
1
106,463
143
68
36
32
23
23
3
3
2
1
Material: Wool
Large Vintage Valley Forge American Flag with 48 Stars c.1940-1950-FREE SHIPPING
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A large Valley Forge American flag made with 48 hand sewn stars and stripes. It is in good condition and has brass grommets to hang. CREATOR Valley Forge. DATE OF MAN...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Brass

Large Vintage Wool American Flag with 48 Stars c.1940-1950-FREE SHIPPING
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A large wool 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 MANUFACTURE c.19...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Brass

Early 20thc 48 Star Flag Hand Crochet Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine hand crochet 48 star flag pillow is made with a blue velvet background or frame front and back.The insert is down & feather fill.
Category

Early 20th Century American Adirondack Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

Antique 46 Star WMH Horstmann Company United States of America Flag 83"
By Horstmann
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique forty six star large wool American flag by Horstmann Company, circa 1908-1912. Horstmann firm was founded by William H. Horstmann (1785-1850), who had immigrated to Philadelphia from Germany. Horstmann bought out a local swordmaker in 1828 and thereafter entered the military goods field. The firm benefitted from the Civil War, becoming the largest military goods supplier in the nation by 1864. WILLIAM H. HORSTMANN & SONS, Manufacturers of Dress Trimmings and Military Goods. 5th & Cherry Streets, Philadelphia, PA. This house was founded, in 1815, by William H. Horstmann, a native of Cassel, in Germany. He had learned the trade of silk-weaving in France, and, emigrating to the United States in the above-mentioned year, established himself in Philadelphia as a manufacturer of fringe, laces and trimmings of various kinds. He married the daughter of Frederick Hoeckly, a German settler in Philadelphia, and also a manufacturer of fringe, coach-lace and tassels. He devised several improvements in this trade, especially by introducing varieties in the styles and patterns of this class of goods, there being at that time only two patterns used in the trade, which were known as the Jefferson pattern and the Monroe pattern. In 1824, he introduced into this country from Germany the use of plaiting or braiding machines, and about the same time he was the first to introduce into this country the use of the Jacquard loom, for weaving patterns in textile fabrics. His location was in the first instance at No. 50 North Third street, but within a short time he removed to a store next to the Harp and Crown tavern, afterwards known as the City hotel, and continued his business within a short distance of this point for many years. In 1828, he commenced the manufacture of military trimmings as a special department, and this branch has grown to most important proportions, Horstmann's military goods being in demand throughout time country. The firm have also executed large Government contracts in this line for the War and Navy Departments. In 1831, he established a branch house in New York city, and about the same time erected a factory at the corner of Germantown road and Columbia avenue. The factory was continued here until time erection of the extensive building at Fifth and Cherry streets, where the works, salesrooms and offices of time firm now are. This massive structure is six stories high, and extends 140 feet on Fifth street and 200 on Cherry street, and reaches back to Race street. The separate departments into which the business is divided are thirty in number. More than 1000 distinct looms and machines are in use in the building, many of them very costly and some invented and used exclusively by this firm, the motive power being supplied by a steam engine of fifty horse power. The area covered by the works is about 11,000 square feet. Time number of hands employed is very large, about 500. When the erection of a vast factory at this point was first proposed, a strong opposition was made by time holders of the neighboring property. The ancient German Lutheran Church and burying ground, since removed, stood opposite the site, and a bill was introduced into the Legislature to forbid the use of a steam engine within 100 yards of any place of worship. The interests which such a bill would have affected injuriously, especially those of several newspapers, roused a strong opposition to it, and it failed to become a law. In 1845, William H. Horstmann, the founder of the house, retired from the business, and his two sons, William and Sigmund, assumed the management and it was under their direction that the new building, above described, was erected. The goods produced by this house are of almost endless extent and variety. They include goods woven from all the various textile fibres—cotton, wool, silk, etc.—in every style, color and pattern, and are used for an infinite number of purposes. Narrow woven goods are time staple production, made up into material for dresses for both sexes, for use in daily life, and for regalia for ""societies;"" for the costumes of the stage, the upholstering of houses and of carriages, the uniforms of soldiers, together with equipments for the same, and for funeral purposes. The raw material used in the manufacture is to a great extent very costly, and their store rooms often hold as much as $200,000 worth of goods in an unworked state. There are two rooms devoted to power looms in the factory, one for coach lace and one for other styles of weaving, in which about 250 of these machines are constantly running. The braiding machines in the coach lace room are very noteworthy. The cord to be covered with braid is drawn through an opening in time middle of a flat, circular, metallic plate, about 15 inches across. Up to a point on this cord, about a foot above the plate, the threads of the braiding material converge, like the ribs of a tent-roof, and there weave in and out and out and in, as the coating of braid grows, and time covered cord rises and is wound away above. The weaving is accomplished by the motion of the spools below that carry the different threads of the braid. These spools stand in uprights, which are carried round and amongst each other in curved slots in the above-mentioned broad metallic plate. All but two of these spools run in and out among each other, with a swift, easy and intricate motion, mind so rapid that time eye can hardly follow it, while one or two special spools run steadily round and round among time twisting spools with the most extreme swiftness. Many other machines, displaying equally ingenious mechanism, are used in the factory. The various details of equipment manufactured and supplied by this house are also important, both for their number and the superior quality of the manufacture. The one article of swords may be taken as an instance. This trade grew naturally and immediately out of the established army and navy goods department of the works, it being necessary that the sword itself should be furnished together with the sword-belt and other trappings all complete. Every part of the sword and trappings, with the exception of the blade, is made on the premises. The blades are almost all imported from the ancient German sword-blade emporium of Solingen, where, it is said, swords have been made ever since the year 1147, when Count Adolphus of Berg brought home from the East and established there the business of forging Damascus blades. There is in this department a stock of some thousands of blades, of many different patterns and sizes, ready to be set and finished. Any style or sword can be had from this warehouse, from the plainest kind up to a presentation sword...
Category

1910s American Classical Vintage Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Scottish Bagpiper's Bonnet on Stand
Located in Chicago, IL
A playful yet strong early 20th century Scottish bagpiper's bonnet with a woven wool checkerboard headband and decorated with a large black ostrich feather plume and a white feather hackle, mounted on a turned wood stand.
Category

Early 20th Century Scottish Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool, Feathers

British Soldier's Woolwork or Woolie, 19h Century
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is an exceptional example of a 19th century British soldier's "Woolie" or woolwork that is signed "G.W. Whitby/India. The woolwork depicts the ...
Category

Early 19th Century English British Colonial Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool, Glass, Wood

AL Malaikah Vintage Iconic Masonic Shriner Burgundy Wool Fez Hat in Original Box
Located in North Hollywood, CA
AL Malaikah vintage Masonic Shriner iconic burgundy wool Fez hat with original box. Al Malaikah, legion of Honor vintage fez hat from the Los Angeles ...
Category

1970s American Moorish Vintage Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

AL Malaikah Vintage Iconic Masonic Shriner Burgundy Wool Fez Hat
Located in North Hollywood, CA
AL Malaikah vintage Masonic Shriner iconic burgundy wool Fez hat. Al Malaikah, legion of Honor vintage fez hat from the Los Angeles Al Malaikah Shrine...
Category

Late 20th Century American Moorish Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

Christening of the Prince of Wales Woolwork Picture, Dated 1842
Located in Downingtown, PA
English Royal Woolwork Picture, Titled E R/ Christening of the/Prince of Wales/Jan 25th 1842. A rare woolwork picture in bands of white, pink, red and green centered with a black and white picture...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Folk Art Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

13 Star Antique American Flag, ca 1895-1926
Located in York County, PA
13 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH A 3-2-3-2-3 CONFIGURATION OF STARS ON AN INDIGO CANTON, SQUARISH PROPORTIONS, AND A BEAUTIFUL OVERALL PRESENTATION, MADE circa 1895-1926 This 13 s...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

45 Star Antique American Flag, with Staggered Rows, Utah Statehood, ca 1890-1896
Located in York County, PA
45 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH STAGGERED ROWS OF STARS ON A DUSTY BLUE CANTON; REFLECTS THE PERIOD WHEN UTAH WAS THE MOST RECENT STATE TO JOIN THE UNION, 1890-1896 Utah became t...
Category

1890s American Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

Antique American Flag w/ 13 Stars in the Betsy Ross Design & 45 Stars on Reverse
Located in York County, PA
13 STARS IN THE BETSY ROSS PATTERN, WITH 45 STARS ON THE REVERSE; ON AN ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG MADE AND SIGNED BY A PREVIOUSLY UNIDENTIFIED FLAG-MAKER, ANNIE MAC LACHLAN OF JERSEY CI...
Category

1890s American Other Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Outstanding 13 Star Hand-sewn American Private Yacht Flag, ca 1865-1885
Located in York County, PA
OUTSTANDING, 13 STAR, ANTIQUE AMERICAN PRIVATE YACHT ENSIGN WITH GREAT FOLK QUALITIES THAT INCLUDE AN UNUSUALLY WIDE ANCHOR AND A DECIDEDLY LOPSIDED RING OF 13 STARS; MADE DURING THE 2ND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY; ITS DEVICE HAND-SEWN AND SINGLE-APPLIQUÉD Private yacht ensigns were approved American signals for maritime use that allowed pleasure boats to bypass customs. Though the legislation that approved them was adopted prior to 1850, almost all such flags that one will encounter were sewn by electric machine and made during the 20th century. The unusual gems among surviving examples are those that are earlier and include hand-sewn elements. Even more rare are a select few with atypical graphics. Barely any fall into both of these categories at once. Take note of the anchor on this particular flag, wide a long horizontal crossbar (stock) that contributes to uncommonly wide stance. Set within a ring of stars that is decidedly lopsided, the result is as bold as it is endearingly whimsical—two of the best qualities in American folk art, a category in which this particular example can be filed. While I have owned 13 star private yacht flags that have displayed star and canted anchor devices that were somewhat larger and/or bolder than typical, I cannot recall any that were so graphically intriguing as this one. Brief History of Private Yacht Ensigns: The medallion configuration, 13-star, 13-stripe flag, with a canted center anchor was entered into official use in 1848, following an act of Congress, that made it the official signal for U.S. pleasure sailing vessels. The need for such a flag arose with the popularity of boating as a pastime for well-to-do Americans, and as a competitive sport, in addition to its longstanding utilitarian role as a vehicle of trade. In early America, all boats were subject to customs searches at every port. Without modern income tax, the federal government derived its revenues mostly from tariffs, so an accounting of foreign goods on ships was a critical venture. As yachting for pleasure became more prevalent, however, more and more time was spent searching boats that had no such inventory, wasting time for both customs officials and wealthy ship owners. John Cox Stevens, a former president of the Jockey Club and future founder of the Union League Club, became the New York Yacht Club’s Commodore upon its founding in 1845. In 1847 he approached the secretary of the treasury and suggested that something be done to streamline the customs process for non-trade vessels. In 1848, legislation passed Congress requiring registration of these boats, which could then fly the “American Yachting Signal” to bypass customs. This remained on the books until the 1980’s, when the 1848 legislation was revoked, but the use of flags in this design for decorative function continues to this day. 13 star flags have been flown throughout our nation’s history for a variety of purposes. In addition to their use on private yachts, they were hoisted at patriotic events, including Lafayette’s final visit in 1824-25, the celebration of the nation’s centennial 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. The U.S. Navy used the 13 star count on small boats until 1916, because it was easier to discern fewer stars at a distance on a small flag. Commercial flag-makers mirrored this practice and some private ships flew 13 star flags during the same period as the Navy. Construction: The stars and anchor are made of cotton, hand-sewn, and single-appliquéd. This means that they were applied to one side of the canton, then the blue fabric was cut from behind each star, folded over, and under-hemmed, so that one star could be viewed on both sides of the flag. I always find single-appliquéd stars more interesting, not only because they are evidence of a more difficult level of seam-work and stitching, but also because they are more visually intriguing. The two visible rows of hand-stitching emphasize their hand-sewn construction. For these reasons, single-appliquéd stars often appeal to connoisseurs of early American textiles...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

34 TUMBLING STARS on an ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG, CIVIL WAR PERIOD, 1861-63, KANSAS
Located in York County, PA
34 STARS WITH "DANCING" OR "TUMBLING" ORIENTATION, ON AN ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH EXTRAORDINARY COLORS, PRESS-DYED ON WOOL BUNTING, LIKELY PRODUCED FOR USE AS MILITARY CAMP COLORS,...
Category

1860s American Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

34 STAR AMERICAN FLAG, CIVIL WAR PERIOD, 1861-63, a RARE STYLE, KANSAS STATEHOOD
Located in York County, PA
34 STARS IN 4 ROWS WITH 2 STARS OFFSET AT THE HOIST END, ON AN ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG LIKELY PRODUCED FOR MILITARY FUNCTION, AS UNION ARMY CAMP COLORS; ONE OF JUST A TINY HANDFUL THAT I HAVE ENCOUNTERED IN THIS EXACT STYLE, REFLECTS KANSAS STATEHOOD, OPENING TWO YEARS OF THE CIVIL WAR...
Category

1860s American Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool, Cotton

48 Star U.S Navy Jack Flown on the USS FT. Mandan, ca 1945
Located in York County, PA
48 STAR U.S. NAVY JACK, MARKED AS HAVING BEEN FLOWN ON THE U.S.S. FT. MANDAN, LAUNCHED NEAR THE END OF WWII, IN 1945, WITH SERVICE DURING BOTH THE KOREAN AND VIETNAM WAR ERAS, IN THE...
Category

1940s American Vintage Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

38 Star Antique American Flag, Colorado Statehood, ca 1876-1889
Located in York County, PA
38 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH HAND-SEWN STARS IN AN 8-7-8-7-8 PATTERN OF JUSTIFIED ROWS, MADE IN THE PERIOD WHEN COLORADO WAS THE MOST RECENT STATE TO JOIN THE UNION, 1876-1889 ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

Centennial Celebration "1776-1876" American Flag Banner
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a rare Centennial patriotic flag banner, dating to 1876. The flag’s rich blue canton is spectacular, with 81 five-pointed, rayed stars printed in white and arranged to read “1776” and “1876.” The flag’s design is completed with thirteen alternating red and white stripes. The fly is a two-piece, machine sewn construction. The hoist to this large wool flag has five brass rings, original to 1876. In the lead up to the nation’s Centennial in 1876, flag makers and individuals looked to the past for designs to produce as part of the country’s many celebrations. Popular interpretation of the stars and stripes undoubtedly reached its climax of variety and originality at the time of our Nation’s first Centennial. Since no design restrictions were placed on flagmaker’s imaginations and no strict distinctions were drawn between official and unofficial star counts, it is no surprise that, on the occasion of the Centennial, creativity in flag design was not the exception, but the rule. The cantons from this period presented an array of geometric abstractions. Great star patterns, referred to as the “starry flower of Liberty” by Oliver Wendell Holmes, that were popular from 1818...
Category

1870s American Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

38 Star American Flag, Stars in Notched Pattern, ca 1876-1889
Located in York County, PA
38 HAND-SEWN STARS IN A "NOTCHED" PATTERN, ON AN ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH BEAUTIFUL WEAR FROM HAVING BEEN EXTENSIVELY FLOWN, MADE AT THE TIME WHEN COLORADO WAS THE MOST RECENT STATE TO JOIN THE UNION, 1876-1889 38 star Antique American flag, made during the period when Colorado was the most recent state to join the Union. The stars are arranged in what is known as a "notched" pattern, in which two spaces were left open along the hoist end, in the first and last rows, in anticipation that two more Western Territories would soon join the Union. The latter 19th century was a time of when much of the land in and about the Continental Divide was formalized into states, and there was continual speculation about which ones would be accepted next, and with what boundaries. The stars of the flag are made of cotton and are double-appliquéd (applied to both sides) with a lineal, treadle stitch. The canton and stripes of the flag are made of wool bunting that has been pieced with treadle stitching. The canton was constructed from five separate lengths of fabric, which is an unusual feature, though hardly unknown. To each of these a row of stars was sewn. This manner of construction is sometimes encountered and tends to be an early trait, at least when it occurs in flags of this scale and smaller. When encountered, it also seems to have been preferred in flags meant for maritime use. While the feature does not by any means guarantee this fact, it is a reasonable, educated guess, based upon my examination of many other examples. A flag with a 5-piece canton, such as this, would have been less likelihood to stretch, with increased structural integrity. The alternative is that this was simply an example made when there were at least five pieces of leftover fabric, of a reasonable size to made individual rows, and that what it actually demonstrates is the careful conservation of scarce resources. There is a sailcloth canvas binding along the hoist, with 3 brass grommets, evenly spaced. Perhaps the best feature of the flag is the evidence it displays of having been extensively flown, with the fly end whipped out from wind exposure. While many flags display damage from a combination of having been flown, exposure to the elements, various mishaps, and improper storage, very few exhibit wear such as this, which is both endearingly and visually attractive. This one shows its age beautifully, whipped out along the fly end, with losses that convey an element of movement, that most flags don’t capture in the state in which they survive. Colorado became the 38th state on August 1st, 1876. This was the year of our nation’s 100-year anniversary of independence. Per the Third Flag Act of 1818, stars were not officially added until the 4th of July following a state's addition. For this reason, 37 was the official star count for the American flag in 1876. Flag-making was a competitive venture, however, and few flag-makers would have been continuing to produce 37 star flags, when their competitors were making 38’s. It is for this reason that 38 and 13 stars (to represent the original 13 colonies...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

Commission Pennant with 13 Stars, like for Private Vessel, Ca 1892-1910
Located in York County, PA
8-Foot commission pennant with 13 stars, a unique example in my experience, likely produced for display on a private vessel, made circa 1892-1910. Commission pennants are the distinguishing mark of a commissioned U.S. Navy ship. Flown at the topmast, the typical American format is a long blue field, usually with a single row of white stars, although sometimes with their total divided into two rows, followed by two long stripes, red-over-white. A ship became commissioned when this pennant was hoisted. Flown during both times of peace and war, the only time the pennant is not flown is if a flag officer or civilian official was aboard and replaced it with their own flag. Sometimes the owners of private ships mimicked the use of Navy signals. Some seafaring men would have served in the Navy and become privy to various practices in that capacity. Others flew them purely for stylistic reasons, either on a regular basis or while the boat was dressed for special occasion. Hudson River steamers regularly flew pennants of this nature, as evidenced by period photography as well as the paintings of artists such as John and James Bard...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

13 Star Antique American Flag with Hand-Sewn Stars in 5-3-5 Pattern, ca 1861-65
Located in York County, PA
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...
Category

1860s American Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

46 Star Antiques American Flag, Small Scale, Oklahoma Statehood, Ca 1907-1912
Located in York County, PA
46 star antique American flag in an exceptionally small scale among its pieced-and-sewn counterparts, reflects oklahoma statehood, circa 1907-1912: 46 star American national flag in a tiny and very rare scale among its counterparts of the period with pieced-and-sewn construction. The 46th state, Oklahoma, joined the Union on November 16th, 1907, during Teddy Roosevelt’s presidency. Roosevelt had many friends in the Oklahoma Territory...
Category

Early 20th Century American Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

34 Star Flag with Upside down Hand Sewn Stars, Kansas Statehood, ca 1861-1863
Located in York County, PA
34 Upside-down, Hand-sewn Stars In A Notched Configuration, On An Antique American Flag Of The Civil War Period, With A Beautiful And Highly Unusual Jacquard Weave Binding, And In A Tiny Scale Among Its Counterparts, Reflects The Addition Of Kansas As The 34th State, 1861-1863 34 star American national flag with a number of interesting and desirable features. Chief among these is the scale of the flag among counterparts of the period. At just three by four feet, its size is absolutely tiny among those with pieced-and-sewn construction. During the 19th century, sewn flags (as opposed to those that were printed on cloth) were typically eight feet long and larger. This is because they were important in their function as signals, meaning that they needed to be seen and recognized from great distance. A flag that was six feet in length was considered small and production of flags smaller than this was extremely limited. Even infantry battle flags, carried on foot, were approximately six by six and-one-half feet, about the size of an average quilt of the same period. It wasn't until the 1890’s that manufacturers began to produce smaller sewn flags in great quantity. The stars of the flag are arranged in justified lineal rows, the first of which contains one fewer star. This results in what I call a “notched” design, leaving one space open for the addition of another star. The blank space leaves little doubt that the maker of the flag assumed that another Western Territory would soon acquire statehood, or that West Virginia might soon break free from Virginia, which occurred in June of 1863. Note how the stars are oriented so that they are upside-down on their vertical axis, with two points up instead of one. No one knows if this positioning bore any particular meaning. Both modern notions of the correct orientation of a star, and the present official design of the American flag, dictate that the stars are supposed to have one point up. Since there was no official design for the flag until 1912, however, it may simply be that the maker of the flag did not consider any particular position to be right-side-up or upside-down. In the mid-19th century, it was not uncommon to see stars pointing any which way, varied throughout whatever arrangement was chosen. Whatever the case may be, the feature present on this particular flag is unusual to the eye and notable in terms of its presentation. Made of cotton, the stars are hand-sewn and double-appliquéd (applied to both sides). The canton and stripes of the flag are made of wool bunting. Because blue wool bunting generally came in a width of 18", the canton was pieced from two lengths of fabric, joined by hand-stitching. The canton is joined to the striped field by hand-stitching. The stripes are pieced and hemmed by treadle stitching. Made of heavy, polished, jacquard weave linen, the binding of the flag is both exceptional from a textile connoisseur’s perspective and highly unusual. This is joined to the flag by treadle stitching. There are two brass grommets, one each at the top and bottom of the hoist, which are likewise especially unusual, in that they are both heavier than normal and intentionally hammered flat. I have seen this on only one other occasion in a Civil War flag...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

13 Star American Flag with Hand-Sewn Stars in the 3rd Maryland Pattern
Located in York County, PA
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...
Category

1890s American Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

36 Star American Flag, Civil War Era, Nevada Statehood
Located in York County, PA
36 Stars In The "Great Star" Or "Great Luminary" Pattern On A Civil War Era Flag With A Dusty Blue Canton And A Section Of One Stripe Souvenired, 1864-67, Nevada Statehood 36 star American national flag of the Civil War era, entirely hand-sewn and with some rare and beautiful features. The stars are arranged in a rendition of what is known as the Great Star or Great Luminary configuration, a large star made out of smaller stars. With no official star pattern before 1912, their design was left up to the artistic liberties of the flag-maker. Strikingly visual, the Great Star is both scarce and coveted by collectors. The 36th state, Nevada, entered the Union during the Civil War on October 31st, 1864. The last Confederate general surrendered on May 26th, 1865. The 36 star flag became official on July 4th of that year, but makers of printed flags would have begun adding a 36th star to their flags in 1864, even before the addition of the new state occurred. Lincoln pushed Nevada through just 8 days before the November election. Nevada’s wealth in silver was attractive to a nation struggling with the debts of war and increased support for the Republican ticket. The 36 star flag was replaced by the 37 star flag in 1867, with the addition of Nebraska. Adding to the flag's appeal is its small scale across those with of piece-and-sewn construction. During the 19th century, sewn flags (as opposed to those that were printed on cloth) were typically eight feet long and larger. This is because they were important in their function as signals, meaning that they needed to be seen and recognized from great distance. A flag that was six feet in length was considered small and production of flags smaller than this was extremely limited. Even infantry battle flags were approximately six by six and-one-half feet, about the size of an average quilt of the same period. As time passed, circumstances changed and sewn flags began to find more of a decorative purpose. Smaller flags are more scarce and far easier to frame and display. The Great Star configuration appears to have come about shortly after the War of 1812, when Congressman Peter Wendover of New York requested that Captain Samuel Reid, a War of 1812 naval hero, create a new design that would become the third official format of the Stars & Stripes. A recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, Reid became harbor master of New York following the war. During his lifetime, he created many innovations in signal use, including a system that could actually send messages from New York to New Orleans by sea in just two hours. Use as a Naval signal had been the primary reason for the initial creation of an American national flag in 1777, but since there was no official star design, the appearance of our flag varied greatly. Reid’s primary concern centered on both consistency and ease of recognition. His hope was as more and more states joined the Union and more and more stars were added to the flag, that it would remain easily identified on the open seas. In 1818, Reid suggested to Congress that the number of stripes permanently return to 13 (reduced from 15) and that the stars be grouped into the shape of one large star. Reid’s proposal would have kept the star constellation in roughly the same format, in a pattern that could be quickly identified through a spyglass as the number of states grew. His concept for the stripes was ultimately accepted, but his advice on the star pattern was rejected by President James Monroe, due to the increased cost of arranging the stars in what would become known as the “Great Star”, “Great Flower”, or “Great Luminary” pattern. Monroe probably didn’t wish to impose this cost on either the government or civilians, so he suggested a simple pattern of justified rows. Never-the-less, the Great Star was produced by anyone willing to make it and its rarity today, along with its beauty, has driven the desirability of American flags with this configuration. The canton and stripes of the flag are made of fine merino wool. Note how the canton has faded to a dusty seafoam blue, which is endearingly attractive. The stars of the flag are hand-sewn and single-appliquéd. This means that they were applied to one side of the canton, then the blue fabric was cut from behind each star, folded over, and under-hemmed, so that one star could be viewed on both sides of the flag. I always find single-appliquéd stars more interesting, not only because they are evidence of a more difficult level of seam-work and stitching, but also because they are more visually intriguing. The two visible rows of hand-stitching emphasize their hand-sewn construction, which is one reason why flags with single-appliquéd stars often appeal to connoisseurs of early American textiles...
Category

1860s American Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

U.S War Department Commissioning Pennant with 13 Stars
Located in York County, PA
EXTREMELY RARE U.S. WAR DEPARTMENT COMMISSIONING PENNANT WITH 13 STARS, A REVERSAL OF THE U.S. NAVY COLOR SCHEME, TWENTY-FOUR FEET ON THE FLY, SP...
Category

20th Century American Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

36 Star Antique Flag, Nevada Statehood, with Stars in the "Great Star" Pattern
Located in York County, PA
36 STARS IN THE "GREAT STAR" OR "GREAT LUMINARY" PATTERN, ON A MERINO WOOL FLAG OF THE CIVIL WAR ERA WITH BEAUTIFUL SCARLET AND ROYAL BLUE COLOR AND WITH ITS CANTON RESTING ON THE "WAR STRIPE," REFLECTS NEVADA STATEHOOD, 1864-67 36 star antique American flag of the Civil War era, with some rare, desirable, and beautiful features. The most obvious of these is the configuration of the stars. These are arranged in what is known as the “Great Star” or "Great Luminary" pattern, a star made out of stars, which is one of the most graphic and desired geometric designs among flag enthusiasts. Nevada entered the Union as the 36th state on October 31st, Halloween, in 1864. Ushered in by Abraham Lincoln just eight days before the presidential election that resulted in his second term, the territory’s wealth in silver was attractive to a nation struggling with the debts of war and so increased support for the Republican ticket. The 36th star was officially added on July 4th, 1865, but since the flag makers generally cared very little about official star counts, the production of 36 star flags began much earlier. The makers of printed flags are known to have begun adding the 36th star as early as July of 1864, several months before the addition of Nevada actually occurred. This was a common practice during the late 19th century and is reflective of both the nation's desire for Westward Expansion and the hope of flag-makers to bring new star counts to market before their competitors. The 36 star flag was officially replaced by the 37 star flag in 1867, following the addition of Nebraska. Great Stars come in many forms. This particular example has a single center star, surrounded by a pentagon of 5 stars, set inside its star-shaped perimeter. Note how the Great Star is positioned with two points up instead of one and so is effectively upside-down with respect to modern convention. Unlike the current flag, versions of the Stars & Stripes made during the 19th century and prior often displayed stars that were varied or completely random in their rotation on a vertical axis. Note how the feature draws attention and is unusual to the eye, in addition to being visually appealing. Another interesting trait can be seen in the fact that the canton rests on a red stripe. When this scarce condition occurs, some flag historians have referred to it as the “blood stripe” or the “war stripe”, suggesting the flag was constructed in this manner when the nation was at war. In actuality, the placement probably occurred more often by accident. Not everyone knew where the canton was traditionally positioned, and because there was no official specification until 1912, there was no official placement. Whatever the case may be with regarding the reason, the war stripe feature is highly coveted by collectors. The stars of the flag are hand-sewn, made of cotton, and are double-appliquéd (applied to both sides). The canton and stripes of the flag are made of fine merino wool. These are beautiful, luxurious fabrics with strong royal blue and scarlet color. Every seam was joined with a row of hand-stitching, then finished with a row of treadle stitching. Instead of employing the selvage edge of the red fabric, the top and bottom edges of the flag were turned under and seamed by hand and the fly end was seamed in the same fashion. There is a narrow binding along the hoist, treadle-sewn and made of cotton. Along this five cotton tabs were affixed, each with a tiny brass ring, which suggests that the flag was probably affixed to a wooden staff with twine or ribbon and hand-carried. The name of "Stow" is inscribed along the hoist. This would be the name of a former owner. In the field of early American flags...
Category

1860s American Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

13 Star, 3rd MD Pattern, Hand-Sewn Antique American Flag, Civil War Era, 1861-65
Located in York County, PA
13 LARGE STARS WITH AN EVEN LARGER CENTER STAR, IN A CIRCULAR VERSION OF WHAT IS KNOWN AS THE 3RD MARYLAND PATTERN, ENTIRELY HAND-SEWN, MADE SOMETIME BETWEEN 1850 AND THE CIVIL WAR (...
Category

1860s American Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

13 Hand-Sewn Stars, In an Oval Version of the 3rd Maryland Pattern
Located in York County, PA
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...
Category

1860s American Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

Related Items
Antique Federal Eagle American 50 Star Flag with Brass Eagle Pole, 19th Century
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Monumental 50 star American Flag with antique Federal Eagle brass and wood pole. A patriotic piece suitable for any home. This set includes both ...
Category

19th Century American Federal Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Large, Decorative Bronze Sculpture of a Spartan Warrior with Sword, Greco Roman
Located in Berlin, DE
Large and decorative bronze sculpture of a Spartan warrior. By Professor Victor Heinrich Seifert. Signed. Excellent masterpiece. On marble base.
Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Bronze

46-Star American Flag, Antique Printed on Silk, Early 20th Century
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is an original 46-star American parade flag, printed on silk. Each star represents a state in the Union at the time. The official flag design would update every July 4th, to inc...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

British Sailor's Large Woolwork Woolie of a Sailing Ship
Located in Katonah, NY
This large 19th century sailor's Woolie of a British line-of-battle ship, circa 1840is is hand embroidered with woolen yarn. It depicts a British naval ship under full sail with can...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Folk Art Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century English Butchers Shop Display Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century English butchers shop display figure. We share what we love, and we love this early 20th century papier Mache and wood composite figure. Recently acquired from a ...
Category

Early 20th Century British Late Victorian Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wood, Paper

19th Century Small Sailor's Woolie of the Bark ADA, circa 1880
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century Small Sailor's Woolie of the Bark ADA, circa 1880, a small hand-crafted sailor's woolwork of the bark-rigged frigate ADA, a so-called "Sloop of War," rendered with thick...
Category

Late 19th Century English Folk Art Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

Vintage Deco-Tel Rotary Phone Telephone American Flag Patriotic 1970s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Deco-Tel Rotary Phone Telephone American Flag Patriotic 1970s. Circa 1970s. Measurements: 12" H x 5.5" W x 5.5" D.
Category

1970s American Classical Vintage Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Plastic

Gwen, a Named British Sailor's Woolwork
Located in Downingtown, PA
British Sailor's Woolwork or Woolie, The Gwen, Circa 1875 The small British sailor's woolie depicts a starboard view of the brigantine Gwen sailing on a calm blue sea and flying...
Category

1870s English Folk Art Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

Gwen, a Named British Sailor's Woolwork
Gwen, a Named British Sailor's Woolwork
H 14.88 in W 21.5 in D 1.5 in
British Sailor's Woolwork of Three Royal Navy Ships, Circa 1885
Located in Downingtown, PA
British sailor's woolwork of three royal navy ships Circa 1885 The British sailor woolwork depicts an unusual scene of three different types of Royal Navy Ships which are all flying the White...
Category

1880s English Folk Art Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

19th Century Sailor's Woolwork of Frigate with Signal Flags
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century Sailor's woolwork of a British Frigate at Anchor, circa 1880, adorned with an array of British ensigns and a full rig of signal flags strung along the stays. The hull has the unusual touch of having glass beads mounted in each gunport, and a metaliic gilt thread highlighting the strakes above and below the two rows of gunports, and on the sterncastle. Mercantile silk threads were used for the flag halyards. The ship is moored off a lighthouse at the foot of a large green haystack headland. The woolwork is mounted in its original Victorian carved, ebonized and parcel gilt oak frame...
Category

Late 19th Century English Folk Art Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

Eagle and Flag Bronze Sculpture by Lorenzo E. Ghiglieri, Limited Edition 205/475
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a patinated bronze eagle by Lorenzo E. Ghiglieri. The eagle is depicted landing on a tree stump, with wings dramatically raised. The stump is draped with a polychrome American flag. The bronze is signed "Lorenzo Ghiglieri...
Category

Late 20th Century American Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Bronze

48 Star Antique American Flag, with Hand-Crocheted Stars, ca 1917-1918
Located in York County, PA
48 STARFISH-LIKE, NEEDLEWORK EXECUTED STARS ON A HAND-CROCHETED ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG FROM THE EARLIEST PART OF THE 48 STAR ERA, 1912-WWI (U.S. INVOLVEMENT 1917-18) OR EVEN PRIOR TO ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Cotton

Previously Available Items
Antique Historic American Double Blue Star Flag, circa 1917
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique historic American double blue star flag, circa 1917, a World War I flag honoring two family members in service. The flag is hand crafted of wo...
Category

1910s American Other Vintage Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

38 Star Antique American hand sewn Flag, Colorado Statehood, circa 1876-1889
Located in York County, PA
Entirely hand sewn, 38 Star, antique American flag of the Indian wars period, with a Squarish profile and a canton that is taller than it is wide, similar to U.S. infantry and artillery battle flags, and with an especially graphic presentationof stars; made in the era when colorado was the most recent state to join the union, 1876-1889 38 star antique American flag, with an array of interesting and visually impressive features. Entirely hand sewn, note how the flag’s dimensions appear near-to-square, when compared to most of its counterparts. Also note how the canton is slightly taller than it is wide. These traits mimic the visual aspects of infantry and artillery battle flags of the 18th- early 20th centuries, that were basically square in shape, with cantons that were far more narrow than what one would expect. U.S. Army regulations of 1861 (opening year of the Civil War), for example, specified that both regimental and national colors be 6 x 6.5 feet. This shape maximized the surface area of the textile when carried on foot. Favorable for ground use, it allowed the flag to be as large as possible, in order to maximize its visibility as a Signal, yet at the same time not drag on the ground. At approximately 3.5 x 4.5 feet, this particular flag has a similar appearance, yet is significantly smaller. Entirely hand sewn, it measures approximately 3/5 of the scale of a regulation, infantry battle flag. Note how the stars, while roughly arranged in rows of 7-6-6-6-6-7, are spun in all directions on their vertical axis, and how their placement within each row is grossly inconsistent. Two of the most notable occurrences of variation can be seen at the beginning of the third row, where enough space was left to easily add another star (not possible elsewhere), and in the final row of 7, where the 4th and 5th stars from the hoist, practically touch. The flag has terrific presentation as a result of the above features, stronger and more unusual than most examples of the time. The stars of the flag are made of cotton and are double-appliquéd, meaning that they are applied to both sides of the blue canton. The canton and stripes of the flag are made of wool bunting. There is a narrow binding along the hoist, made of either linen or hemp, with three, tiny, hand sewn, whip-stitched grommets. Remnants of hemp rope are present in the top and center grommets. Colorado became the 38th state on August 1st, 1876. This was the year of our nation’s 100-year anniversary of independence. Per the Third Flag Act of 1818, stars were not officially added until the 4th of July following a state's addition. For this reason, 37 was the official star count for the American flag in 1876. Flag-making was a competitive venture, however, and few flag-makers would have been continuing to produce 37 star...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

Centennial Celebration "1776-1876" American Flag Banner
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a rare Centennial patriotic flag banner, dating to 1876. The flag’s rich blue canton is spectacular, with 81 five-pointed, rayed stars printed in white and arranged to read “1776” and “1876.” The flag’s design is completed with thirteen alternating red and white stripes. The fly is a two-piece, machine sewn construction. The hoist to this large wool flag has five brass rings, original to 1876. In the lead up to the nation’s Centennial in 1876, flag makers and individuals looked to the past for designs to produce as part of the country’s many celebrations. Popular interpretation of the stars and stripes undoubtedly reached its climax of variety and originality at the time of our Nation’s first Centennial. Since no design restrictions were placed on flagmaker’s imaginations and no strict distinctions were drawn between official and unofficial star counts, it is no surprise that, on the occasion of the Centennial, creativity in flag design was not the exception, but the rule. The cantons from this period presented an array of geometric abstractions. Great star patterns, referred to as the “starry flower of Liberty” by Oliver Wendell Holmes, that were popular from 1818...
Category

1870s American Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

United State Shipping Board Flag, ca 1917-1934
Located in York County, PA
United States shipping board flag, an extremely scarce and beautiful, nautical design, made sometime between WWI (U.S. Involvement 1917-18) and 1934 Flag of the United States Ship...
Category

Early 20th Century American Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

35-Star Hand-Cut American Civil-War Era Flag, circa 1863
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is a beautifully hand-cut and sewn 35-star American flag, representing the addition of West Virginia to the Union. West Virginia joined the Union on June 20, 1863. Because 35-st...
Category

1860s American Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool, Canvas

38-Star American Flag, Commemorating Colorado Statehood, 1876-1889
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is an original 38-star American flag. The flag dates to 1876, when Colorado joined the Union as the 38th state. The flag has a wool bunting canton with 38 clamp-dyed stars, configured in an unusual notched pattern. The star pattern features small stars, arranged in rows of 7/5/7/7/5/7. During the times when states were being rapidly added to the Union, flag makers sometimes produced flags in a notched configuration, thus leaving room for the addition of more stars over the life of the flag. A notched design makes sense for this flag of 38 stars and would have come in handy when both Dakotas, Montana, and Washington, and Idaho became states in 1889 and 1890. The flag’s design is completed with 13 machine-sewn stripes, alternating in red and white. The flag’s white canvas hoist is fitted with three brass grommets and is stamped “Patented April 26, 1870. 6 FT” in black. John Holt...
Category

1870s American Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

13 Star Antique American Flag, 3rd Maryland Design, Beautiful, Elongated Profile
Located in York County, PA
13 star antique American flag, with a circular arrangement of what is known as the 3rd Maryland pattern, on a small scale example with beautiful, elongated proportions and an unusually large center star, made circa 1890-1900 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 ceased, which seems to be supported by depictions of American 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. For all practical purposes, commercial flag-makers simply didn't produce flags with pieced-and-sewn construction that were 3 to 4 feet in length before the 1890's. There are exceptions to this rule, but until this time, the smallest sewn flags were typically 6 feet on the fly. The primary use had long been more utilitarian than decorative, and flags needed to be large to be effective as signals. Private use grew with the passage of time, however, which led to the need for long-term use flags of more manageable scale. Beginning around 1890, flag-makers began to produce small flags for the first time in large quantities, namely with dimensions of 2 x 3 feet or 2.5 x 4 feet. Applying the same logic as the U.S. Navy, they chose the 13 star count rather than the full complement of stars, for sake of ease and visibility. The practice of using 13 stars on many of the smallest sewn flags seems to have remained popular through the 1920's, and while all manner of flags were available by special order, regular production of 13 star examples afterward saw steep decline. Lack of surviving 13 star flags following the 1926 sesquicentennial of American independence (150 years) illustrates how a lower level production persisted until the 1970’s, with the approach of our nation’s 200th birthday in 1976. Probably made during the latter 1890’s, and measuring just over 2 x 4 feet, this particular flag is not only more elongated than most of its counterparts, but is far more beautiful than most anything of this general era, including the respective genre of 13 star examples. Since there was no official star configuration until the 48 star flag, in 1912, the stars on 13 star flags may appear in any one of a host of designs. Some of these are more rare and desirable than others. Here they are arranged in a circular wreath of 12, with an especially bold and much larger star in the very center. This basic configuration, whether oval or circular, has come to be known as the "3rd Maryland Pattern". Sometimes the center star is large and other times not. The design is particularly desirable due to both its visual attractiveness and the scarcity of its use. 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 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. She discovered that the Cowpens flag was, at the earliest, of Mexican War...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

American Woolwork Picture 'woolie' of The American Eagle Surrounded by American
Located in Downingtown, PA
American Woolwork Picture (woolie) of The American Eagle surrounded by Thirty-two Star American flags, Circa 1860s. In the 19th century, there w...
Category

1860s North American Folk Art Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

Burgee Style Swallowtail Jack Made by Annin & Company, Ca 1866-1880
Located in York County, PA
BURGEE style, swallowtailed jack with a wreath of 5 stars surrounding a huge, 6th, center star, probably made for a Hudson river, paddle-wheel steamer by Annin & Company of New York ...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

34-Star Civil-War Flag, Celebrating Kansas Statehood, 1861
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Offered is a large 34-star flag, produced during the Civil War. This flag features white double-appliqued hand and machine-sewn stars on a blue canton, along with 13 machine-sewn alternating red and white stripes. The stars are arranged in rows of 7/7/6/7/7 stars. The flag features machine-sewn wool bunting, a linen header, and hand-stitched grommets. This 34-star flag celebrates Kansas statehood and dates to circa 1861. Kansas was admitted to the Union as the 34th state on January 29th, 1861, which was about a month after states began to secede from the Union and about two-and-a-half months before the first official shots of the American Civil War were fired. The 34th star flag was made official on July 4th of that year and remained the official flag until July 4th, 1863, when the 35-star flag was made official for the admission of West Virginia to the Union. Even with the secession of states during the American Civil War, the American flag was not officially changed to show a loss of stars. Abraham Lincoln encouraged Americans not to produce flags with fewer stars after states seceded, as he saw great value in remaining a unified body under one flag. The 34-star flag was often referred to as “Lincoln’s flag...
Category

1860s North American Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

44 Stars in Zigaging Rows on an Antique Wyoming Statehood Flag, ca 1890-1896
Located in York County, PA
44 STARS IN ZIGZAGGING ROWS ON AN ANTIQUE AMERICAN AMERICAN FLAG MADE DURING THE LAST DECADE OF THE 19TH CENTURY, REFLECTS WYOMING STATEHOOD, 1890-1896: 44 star antique American fla...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

42 Hand-Sewn Stars on An Antique Washington State American Flag, ca 1889-1890
Located in York County, PA
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, ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Wool Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Wool

Recently Viewed

View All