13 Star Antique American Parade Flag with Star in Snowflake Pattern, ca 1861-65

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About the Item

13 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN PARADE FLAG, DATING TO THE CIVIL WAR PERIOD (1861-1865), OR PERHAPS PRIOR, WITH AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE & BEAUTIFUL SNOWFLAKE MEDALLION CONFIGURATION 13 star American national flag, printed on glazed cotton, with a very rare configuration of stars that I call a “snowflake medallion.” This consists of two consecutive wreaths of stars, the outer-most of which is more widely spaced as a matter of necessity. When you place 13 stars in this fashion, their disbursement in the outer ring makes the pattern looks a bit like an exploding firework or starburst. This provides for a more dramatic appearance than that which appears on most other 13 star designs. For this reason it is one of my most favorite patterns in all of flag collecting. While the flag may have been produced during the Civil War (1861-65), it might have instead been made a bit earlier, during the latter part of the Antebellum, between the late 1840's and 1860. This particular style bears some of the characteristics shared by other pre-war examples. Prior to the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, use of the Stars & Stripes by private individuals was extremely limited. In the beginning, the primary function of the American flag was to mark ships on the open seas. It was also flown on military garrisons and government buildings. Many people are surprised to learn that American ground forces were not actually authorized to carry the flag until the late 1830's, and that the first war in which the flag was carried on foot was the Mexican War (1846-48). The first printed parade flags appeared sometime between 1837 and 1840. The earliest examples that survive today that are datable to a specific year were made to advertise the 1840 presidential campaign of William Henry Harrison, adorned with overprinted names, slogans, and images. Most pre-1861 parade flags, though not all, bear some sort of political advertising. Those without were likely employed in the same function, waved at political rallies, debates, parades, and inaugurations. 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 final visit to American and grand tour, in 1824-25, the 1876 celebration of our nation’s 100-year anniversary of independence, and the sesquicentennial in 1926. They were displayed during the Civil War, to reference past struggles for American liberty, and were used by 19th century politicians in political 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. The use of yachting ensigns with a wreath of 13 stars surrounding a fouled anchor, which allowed pleasure boats to bypass customs between 1848 and 1980, persists today without an official purpose. Mounting: The flag was mounted and framed by us in-house. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and related textiles and have preserved thousands of examples. For 25 years we have maintained our own textile conservation department, led by a master’s degree level graduate from one of the nation’s top programs. The mid-19th century, red and black, paint-decorated American molding dates to the period between 1830 and 1860. The background is 100% cotton twill, black in color, that has been washed and treated for colorfastness. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass. Condition: There is a small tear in the 2nd white stripe, accompanied by a modest stain in the 3rd white stripe, accompanied by smaller and/or more minor foxing and staining elsewhere in the field, as well as along the white portion of the hoist, where the flag was once attached to its original wooden staff. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use. Frame Size (H x L): 10.25" x 12.75" Flag Size (H x L): 4" x 6.5"

Dimensions:
Height: 10.25 in (26.04 cm)Width: 12.75 in (32.39 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Cotton
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
Mid-19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1861-1865
Condition:
See Item Description.
Seller Location:
York County, PA
Reference Number:
Seller: 13j-16511stDibs: LU849740599472

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