13 Star Flag With Stars in a Very Rare "Trumbull" Configuration

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13 Star Flag With Stars in a Very Rare "Trumbull" Configuration

About the Item

13 stars in a variation of a very rare configuration called the "trumbull pattern", named because of the use of flags in this basic design--a square of stars surrounding a single center star--in three of John Trumbull's 18th century paintings of his commander, George Washington, circa 1830-1850's: This 13 star American national flag is extraordinary for several reasons. One is its early date. Made in the period between 1830 and the 1850's, its timeline of manufacture places it among the bottom 1% of Stars & Stripes that survive in present day America. Two is the configuration of its stars, which are arranged in a variation of what has been termed the "Trumbull" pattern, which is one of the rarest and most desired of all known 13 star arrangements. Three is its small scale, which is extremely scarce and highly desired by collectors who wish to display their flags in an indoor setting. And four is its presentation, which is simultaneously bold, unusual, and endearing. The Tumbull pattern is a term used to describe 13 star flags on which the stars are arranged into a box of 12 around the perimeter of the canton, surrounding a single star in the center. The design was named after the revolutionary war officer, John Trumbull, who served as George Washington’s aide-de-camp during the American Revolution, before becoming an accomplished painter of miniature portraits and landscapes, as well as of larger (though often criticized) portraits and historical American scenes. Flags with the “Trumbull” configuration appear in at least three of his works, including The Battle of Princeton (June, 1777), The Surrender of General Burgoyne at Saratoga, New York (October, 1777) and one of two versions of The Surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia, (October 1781). None of these views were sketched or painted in first person, so it is uncertain whether the designs of the American flags in these particular paintings bore any direct relationship to flags that were actually present at each engagement. Trumbull was, however, known for his attention to detail. In his landmark book, Standards and Colors of the American Revolution, noted flag historian Edward Richardson describes Trumbull as “meticulous to the accuracy of uniforms and accoutrements … therefore, the flags depicted in [his] paintings should be considered as accurate versions of the time”. Yet because Trumbull painted the flag differently in his 1787 version of Cornwallis’ surrender than he did in his version executed about three years later, one cannot be certain of the design of the Stars & Stripes that was actually present. Whatever the case, however, the rectangular medallion configuration found in some of Trumbull’s flags has been permanently associated his name by flag enthusiasts. This particular version of the Trumbull pattern is more crude and interesting than most. Note how the maker could have easily laid out the pattern with 4 stars on the top and bottom, with pairs of 2 on the right and left, or vice-versa. But she or he instead chose to create L-shaped formations that roughly face one-another diagonally, which left slight gaps in the upper hoist-end and lower fly-end corners. Note how the huge size of the center star and the whimsical shapes and positions of the smaller stars--as if dancing with arms bent-- impacts the flag's outstanding presentation. The tall and narrow form of the canton is also unusual and adds another degree of folk quality to the overall design. This particular flag was found in Duchess County, New York, once donated to the library in the town of Poughkeepsie, by one "C.I. Schaffer." Like most 13 star flags in institutional collections, it was accompanied by verbal history to the Revolutionary War. While This flag does not date to that period, it is an early and extraordinary survivor among known examples. Even the Smithsonian doesn't own a Rev. War period Stars & Stripes and this is among the best I have had the privilege to own. 13 star flags have been continually produced in America from 1777 to the present. Civil War soldiers carried them and politicians campaigned with them, with eyes bent towards our past struggle for freedom. Private individuals flew them on yachts. 13 star flags were produced for the 1876 centennial, the 1926 sesquicentennial, and countless patriotic events from the mid-19th century onward. They were used on small scale flags of various kinds during the 19th century, probably so that the stars could be more easily discerned at a distance, as well as to ease production, with fewer stars to sew and in larger sizes. The US Navy flew 13 star flags on small boats for these reasons until 1916. Construction: The flag is entirely hand-sewn The canton is constructed in three pieces, one of which is sewn perpendicular to the other two, which lay parallel to one-another. This is highly unusual. The canton and stripes are made of wool bunting, joined with flat fell seams. The stars are made of heavy weight sailcloth cotton, which is also unusual. These are double-appliquéd (applied to both sides). There is a sailcloth binding along the hoist, with three whip-stitched grommets. Three lengths of braided cotton twine are threaded through the grommets. These post-date the flag and are likely of the Civil War period (1861-65). Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% silk taffeta for support on every seam and throughout the star field. It was then hand-stitched to a background of 100% hemp fabric. The mount was then placed in a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The front is U.V. protective Plexiglas. Condition: There is minor mothing throughout, accompanied by very minor soiling. Fabric of similar coloration was placed behind the flag during the mounting process, for masking purposes. Many of my clients prefer their flags to show their age and history of use. Frame Size (H x L): 53.25" x 65.25" Flag Size (H x L): 41.5" x 53"

Dimensions:
Height: 53.25 in (135.26 cm)Width: 65.25 in (165.74 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
Period:
Mid-19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1830-1850
Condition:
See Item Description.
Seller Location:
York County, PA
Reference Number:
Seller: 13j-11621stDibs: LU84972721612

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