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Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

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Item type: Antique and Vintage
Material: Silk
Antique Silk Broadside An Elegiac Poem Death of President George Washington 1800
Located in Portland, OR
An important & rare antique American political printed silk broadside, an elegy on the death of President George Washington, dated 1800. A poem on the Death of President George Was...
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1790s Federal Antique Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

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...
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Early 1900s American Antique Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

31-Star Printed American Flag, Celebrating California Statehood, Circa 1850
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is a rare 31-star medallion printed American flag, celebrating the addition of California to the Union. The flag is printed on silk and has a spectacular “Great Star” canton pat...
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1850s American Antique Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

46-Star American Flag Printed in Drum Star Configuration
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is an original 46-Star American parade flag, celebrating Oklahoma statehood. Each star on the flag's canton represents a state in the Union at the time. The official flag design would update every July 4th, to include any new states added to the Union in the past year. Oklahoma, the 46th state, entered the Union on November 16, 1907. As such, this 46–star flag was the official flag of the United States from July 4, 1908, until July 4, 1912. The silk flag has a dark blue canton with 46 white printed stars. The stars are printed in an 7-8-8-8-8-7 row configuration, or “Drum design.” The flag design is completed with 13 alternating red and white stripes, each stripe representing one of the original thirteen colonies. The land that comprises Oklahoma today was added to the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Throughout the 19th century, the U.S. government relocated Indian tribes from the southeastern United States to the area, and by 1900, over 30 Indian tribes had been moved to what was originally called the Indian Territories. At the same time, ranchers in Texas began to move into the area in search of new pasture lands. Although stipulations in the Indian Relocation Act agreed that the land would forever be Indian Territory, the promise of fertile farmland trumped the government’s promise of sovereignty. On April 22, 1889, they opened the land to settlement by homesteaders, creating a land run in which settlers, called “Boomers,” were allowed to cross the Texas or Arkansas border at a particular hour to claim homesteads. Settlers who illegally crossed the border earlier to stake prime land were called “sooners,” which eventually became the state’s nickname. Wagons and the Santa Fe railroad carried cartloads of men and women to blank town sites and building plots, creating ten thousand-people communities in a matter of days. The following year, the region was further divided into Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory...
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1910s American Vintage Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

1889 North Dakota 39 Star United States of America Statehood Flag
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
39 star silk statehood flag. 23 1/2" x 15". Was the unofficial North Dakota Flag. As South Dakota was also admitted as the 40th state on the same day this...
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1880s American Antique Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

Interwar Period Italian Blue Silk Handkerchief With Airplanes, circa 1930s
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is a printed silk handkerchief from the interwar period, with an Italian aviation theme. This handkerchief features four early aircraft plane models, two of which are seaplanes. The inner field of the handkerchief is pale blue and contained by a black three-line waving border. The outer field is medium blue, with a darker blue at each corner. A white and black fasces rests in each corner. The center of the silk features a golden spread-wing eagle. Above the eagle’s head floats a gold crown. The eagle’s talons grip a shield printed with the Savoy arms, a white cross on a red field. Two gold fasces adorn either side of the shield. In most historical accounts of the early days of military aviation, our reverence for the activities of the American Expeditionary Force and its French and British companions-in-arms on the western front has led us to overlook the immense Italian contribution to the formation of airpower doctrine. The first aerial force projection occurred on Nov. 1, 1911, when Lt. Giulio Gravotta, flying a German-built monoplane, dropped one bomb on Zard and another on Taciura -- in Libya -- during the Italian-Turkish War. This event occurred just a little more than a year after the first flight of an Italian-designed and built aircraft. At about the same time, Gianni Caproni, a young Italian engineer with a passion for innovation and a vast admiration for the Wright brothers, built his first flying machine. By May 23, 1915, the day Italy entered World War I, Caproni had become Italy's leading aircraft designer and manufacturer. Caprooni designed and built a multi-engine bomber with range and bomb capacities to make it a potent offensive weapon. On Aug. 20, 1915, two of these Caproni three-engine bombers attacked the Aisovizza aerodrome with explosive and incendiary bombs, a preview of the most sustained, effective air offensive of the First World War. By early 1916, regular raids against Austro-Hungarian targets were being conducted by seven squadrons of Caproni bombers, with some 540 bombing missions flown by the year's end. Missions were on the increase, both in distance to targets and number of aircraft involved. In late 1917, due to the lack of suitable training facilities in the United States, a contingent of some 500 Americans were sent to Foggia, Italy, to learn military flying. After completing their training, the new pilots were commissioned in the Army Air Service, and the majority of them were sent to France to serve with the American Expeditionary Force. About 75 remained in Italy under the command of Capt. Fiorello LaGuardia...
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1930s Italian Vintage Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

Franco-American Textile with the Image of an Eagle Holding the American and Flag
Located in York County, PA
Franco-American textile with the image of an eagle supporting knotted and draped american and French flags beneath four war planes; embroidered silk floss and metallic bullion thread...
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Mid-20th Century American Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

34 Star Antique American Flag with Hourglass Medallion Stars, ca 1861-1863
Located in York County, PA
EXTRAORDINARY 34 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH AN ACCORDION OR HOURGLASS MEDALLION CONFIGURATION THAT SURROUNDS A PENTAGON OF STARS IN THE CENTER; MADE OF FINE SILK AND ENTIRELY HAND-SEWN; MADE DURING THE OPENING YEARS OF THE CIVIL WAR (1861-63), IN A TINY SIZE AMONG ITS COUNTERPARTS OF THE PERIOD; REFLECTS THE ADDITION OF KANSAS AS THE 34TH STATE 34 star flag of the Civil War period with an array of rare, beautiful, and otherwise desirable features. Extremely small among flags of this period with pieced and sewn construction, the flag displays a star pattern that is not only highly unusual, but unique to this particular example. This consists of a single star in the very center, surrounded by a pentagon of stars, flanked by angular bracket of three stars to either side. Above and below are rows of 5 stars, followed by rows of 6 that line the top and bottom of the canton. The resulting configuration is what I have termed an “accordion medallion,” though “hourglass medallion” or “standing bow tie” would be perfectly acceptable. When rotated 90 degrees, to view the harder-to-identify, bow tie formation, students of early star patterns may note the visual similarity between this and what I call “Starburst” or “Crosshatch” medallions. The pattern, however, conspicuously lacks the crosses of St. Andrew (a saltire) and St. George (roman cross), that would allow it to be more accurately categorized as such. Entirely hand-sewn, the canton and stripes of the flag are made of fine silk. The hemming of this was accomplished with great skill. The top and bottom edges are selvedge. These are so similar in nature as to have come from the same maker. There is a white, silk binding along the hoist, in the form of an open sleeve, through which a length of braided hemp rope was passed, expertly looped and re-braided into itself at the top and bottom for strength. The stars are made of white, polished cotton. These were stitched to both sides (double-appliqued). Note how the edges of the fabric were not turned under, providing evidence of the fact that the maker was not especially skilled in appliqueing. This was common, as applique work was far more difficult than producing French seams. In the 19th century, most flags with pieced and sewn construction were 8 feet long and larger. A six-footer was considered small. Even military battle flags, carried on foot, measured 6’ x 6.5’, which translates into approximately 7’ x 7.5’ after framing, about the size of an average quilt and larger than can comfortably fit on a wall in a house with 8-foot ceilings and average width baseboard. Flags smaller than this were produced both commercially and at home, but the smaller they are, the more unusual they are. At just 26.5 x 46.5 inches, this flag is extremely small for a Civil war period flag with sewn construction. Silk was both beautiful and lightweight, which made it elegant for military unit colors and preferable for flags meant to be carried on foot. Most outdoor use flags...
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1860s American Antique Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

33 Star Flag with Stars in a "Great Star" Pattern, Oregon State, ca 1859-1861
Located in York County, PA
33 STARS IN A "GREAT STAR" PATTER ON A BRILLIANT, ROYAL BLUE CANTON, A RARE AND EXTRAORDINARY EXAMPLE, PRE-CIVIL WAR THROUGH THE WAR'S OPENING YEAR, 1859-1861, OREGON STATEHOOD 33 s...
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Mid-19th Century American Antique Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

43 Star Antique Silk American Flag, Idaho Statehood, ca 1890
Located in York County, PA
43 GILT-PAINTED STARS ON A SILK, ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH BULLION FRINGE; REFLECTS THE ADDITION OF IDAHO AS THE 43RD STATE ON JULY 3RD, 1890, ONE OF THE RAREST STAR COUNTS AMONG SURVIVING AMERICAN FLAGS OF THE 19TH CENTURY Numerous flags appeared with unofficial star counts in early America, some of them produced by flag-makers in large quantity in anticipation of the addition of more states. Interestingly enough, other flags were officially adopted by the United States Congress, but for all practical purposes were never produced. Among these is the 43 star flag...
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1890s American Antique Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

Full Wrap Silk Suffragette Sash in Violet and Purple, Birmingham, UK ca 1908
Located in York County, PA
Full, wrap-around, silk suffragette sash in violet & green, with "Votes for women" text, designed by Sylvia Pankhurst for the women’s social & political union (U.K.), produced by Toy...
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Early 1900s British Antique Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

"Votes for Women" Sash in Yellow and White, ca 1910-1915
Located in York County, PA
Silk suffragette sash ribbon in yellow & white with "votes for women" text, circa 1910-1915 Section of wide, silk, grosgrain ribbon, of the type often worn as a sash, in a deep, s...
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1910s American Vintage Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

Colorado State Flag, Made of Silk, Ca 1911-1920
Located in York County, PA
COLORADO STATE FLAG OF EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY, MADE OF SILK, CIRCA 1911-1920’s, EXTRAORDINARILY RARE IN THIS PERIOD AND THE EARLIEST EXAMPLE THAT I HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED Early state flags are few and far between. While I am asked for them constantly, most states did not actually have official flags until the 20th century. On May 6th, 1911, Colorado became among the last to adopt a design. The project of doing so was spearheaded by the Denver Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The bill was introduced by Senator W.H. Sharply and adopted by the Eighteenth General Assembly. The artwork was the product of A.C. [Andrew Carlisle] Carson, President of the Ohio Society of Colorado. The meanings behind the elements in the design are as follows: The large letter "C" stands for Colorado and simultaneously for the Centennial State (Colorado entered the Union in 1876, the year in which our nation celebrated its 100th anniversary of independence), as well as the Columbine State (reflecting the state flower). The red color is included due to the fact that the word Colorado translates to scarlet or red in Spanish. The circle represents the sun, while the gold color symbolizes all-the-year sunshine, Colorado’s status as the greatest gold state, and one Columbine color. It was also included so that the Colorado state flag would have one more color than the U.S. flag. The color white reflects Colorado’s status as the greatest silver state, its eternal mountain snow, and one Columbine color. Lastly, the shade of Yale blue symbolizes all-the-year blue sky and one Columbine Color. Members of the D.A.R. were proud to note that this was also their color. Made sometime between the initial year of the adoption of this design and the 1920’s, this particular flag is the earliest Colorado example that I have ever encountered. The blue and white bars, red “C,” and golden circle are a’’ made of silk taffeta. This was a costly fabric, reserved for the best material a flag-maker produced. The flag is constructed in the manner of a battle flag, to be carried on foot. Squarish in its overall profile, silk was the fabric of choice for flags employed in this function, due to the fact that it was light weight, and thus practical for hand-carrying, while simultaneously formal in appearance, appropriate for the sort of ceremonial use that military presentation often demands. The style of the hoist is also typical for field or parade use. Here the fabric was rolled over to form an open sleeve, through which a wooden staff could be inserted. The sleeve is lined on the interior with black cotton. Leather tabs, at the top and bottom, fit over metal posts on the staff, designed to accept them, to fix the flag in its proper position. The bars were pieced and joined with lineal machine stitching. The hoist and fly ends were finished and hemmed by the same method. The devices are double-appliquéd (applied to both sides) with a machine buttonhole / blanket stitch. Though machines that produced buttonholes were, remarkably, available alongside the earliest standard machines, in the 1850’s and 60’s, the use of this sort of stitch in a running format, for appliqué work, remained highly unusual, even as late as the first half of the twentieth century, probably because it used a ton of thread when compared to the zigzag or satin stitch. It could be expected to appear more often in the hands of a maker of very fine flags, that employed embroidery machines and commissioned custom, fancy work of all sorts. Though unsigned—in no way uncommon in early examples, which were seldom signed—that is precisely the sort of firm that produced the Colorado flag...
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Early 20th Century American Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

38 Star Antique American Flag, Colorado Statehood, ca 1876-1889
Located in York County, PA
38 star antique American parade flag with scattered star orientation, made of silk, with generous scale and vivid colors, Colorado Statehood, 1876-1889 38 star American national p...
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Late 19th Century American Antique Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

Elaborate Sailor Souvenir of Washington Crossing the Delaware, ca 1885-1912
Located in York County, PA
Elaborate sailor’s souvenir embroidery from the orient with a beautiful hand-painted image of Washington crossing the Delaware, surrounded by a large eagle, federal shield, crossed flags, a cannon, cannonballs, and anchor, circa 1885-1910: Between roughly 1880 and 1915, American sailors visiting the orient could obtain beautiful needlework embroideries on shore, with patriotic American themes. These extraordinary works of art were acquired as mementos of a long voyage, often with the hope that they might be presented as gifts for loved ones and friends. Using silk floss, elaborately embellished with both silver and gold metallic bullion thread...
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Late 19th Century Asian Antique Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

13 Hand-Embordered Stars Made by Great-Granddaughter of Betsy Ross, Sarah Wilson
Located in York County, PA
13 HAND-EMBROIDERED STARS AND EXPERTLY HAND-SEWN STRIPES ON AN ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG MADE IN PHILADELPHIA BY SARAH M. WILSON, GREAT-GRANDDAUGHTER OF BETSY ROSS, SIGNED & DATED 1911: ...
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1910s American Vintage Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

48 Crocheted Stars on Graphic, Three-Dimensional Flag Made of Silk, ca 1917-1918
Located in York County, PA
48 crocheted stars on a very graphic, three-dimensional flag made from silk ribbon and crocheted rings, WWI Era (U.S. involvement 1917-18) Homemade, ha...
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Early 20th Century Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

Violet & Yellow Suffragette Parade Banner, Ca 1910-1920
Located in York County, PA
Rare violet & yellow Suffragette parade banner, the plate example illustrated in the text reference on the subject, made ca 1910-1920. Hand-painted banners...
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Early 20th Century Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

Teddy Roosevelt and His Great White Fleet American Flag, ca 1907-1909
Located in York County, PA
Rare & Beautiful American Parade Flag With Images Of Teddy Roosevelt And His Great White Fleet, 1907-1909, Ex-richard Pierce Collection: 46 star parade ...
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Early 1900s American Antique Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

"Equal suffrage for Michigan in 1916" Advertising Fan for the Bissell Company
Located in York County, PA
"EQUAL SUFFRAGE FOR MICHIGAN IN 1916," ADVERTISING FAN FOR THE BISSELL 'CYCO BALL BEARING CARPET SWEEPER,' COMMISSIONED BY ANNA BISSELL (1846-1934), AMERICA'S FIRST FEMALE CEO Oriental-made, twill-woven silk fan with gilt lettering that reads : "Bissell's 'Cyco Ball Bearing Carpet Sweeper' makes sweeping easy," set within an interesting, open, geometric design. A purposefully curved, paper label beneath was applied by the "Michigan Equal Suffrage Association, Kalamazoo, 405 So. Burdick St.," whose byline is along the bottom. On it, a terrific message reads: "OVER 100,000 WOMEN pay taxes in Michigan on property assessed at $177,596,938. In 1910 OVER 175,000 MICHIGAN WOMEN signed a petition sent to Congress asking for Equal Suffrage. 247,373 MICHIGAN MEN voted...
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1910s American Vintage Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

Patriotic Silk Kerchief w/ 34 Star Flags & an Image of Washington, Civil War Era
Located in York County, PA
PATRIOTIC SILK KERCHIEF OF THE CIVIL WAR PERIOD, WITH AN ENGRAVED IMAGE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON, CROSSED 34 STAR FLAGS, AN EAGLE, AND "UNION FOREVER" SLOGAN: Patriotic kerchiefs that date prior to the 1876 Centennial of American Independence are rare among surviving 19th century textiles. Printed on silk and made during the opening years of the Civil War, this example consists of a white ground with red and blue borders. Inside is a prominent, copper engraved, device that consists of a large image of George Washington, crowned by a spread winged eagle that grasps a billowing streamer in its beak and talons. The ribbon boasts the Federal sentiment "Union Forever." The likeness of Washington is derived from Gilbert Stuart's Athenaeum portrait. Below this is a facsimile of Washington's signature, cradled by crossed American flags, each with 34 stars arranged in circular medallions. Although political textile historian Herbert Ridgway Collins associated this kerchief with the centennial of American independence,* there is overwhelming evidence that it was produced earlier. The large scale is much more indicative of kerchiefs produced in the 1860's and prior. Made of silk, the binding is hand-stitched, which is also common of those produced before 1876. When these facts are added to the pro-Union Civil War slogan and flags in the 34 star count, the combination of all these factors points firmly to Civil War period manufacture. Kansas was admitted into the Union as the 34th state on January 29th, 1861, about two-and-a-half months before the Confederate assault on Fort Sumter that marked the beginning of the Civil War. The 34th star was officially added on July 4th of that year and the star count remained official until July 4th, 1863. Further evidence can be found in an example of this kerchief that resides in the collection of the Adams County, Pennsylvania Historical Society, with firm provenance to a woman by the name of Emma Yount. The story goes like this: “With the Battle of Gettysburg looming and the countryside in turmoil, the Union cavalry rode into Gettysburg on the afternoon of June 30, 1863. The troopers dismounted and lounged in the town while awaiting further orders. During that time, the seven year old daughter of innkeeper Israel Yount, Emma, was playing outside their home when a cavalryman asked her to come and visit with him while he was resting. The cavalryman told her that he missed his young daughter at home and asked if little Emma would hug and kiss him on the cheek to remind him of his daughter, who he felt he might not ever see again. Emma asked her mother if she could do as the cavalryman suggested, and her mother considered the circumstances and allowed Emma to do so. Before leaving, the cavalryman gave young Emma a silk handkerchief he was carrying that featured George Washington's image and patriotic border and flags. Emma kept that handkerchief until her death in 1946 and it was then donated to the Adams County Historical Society.” The trio of brass rings, hand-sewn along the top edge, would have been added by a former owner so that it could be hung vertically. The textile itself is both beautiful in design and rare. Outside of an example pictured by Collins in his book “Threads of History” (Smithsonian Press, 1979), and the copy in the Adams County Historical Society, only three others like it are known to have surfaced, including this example. This condition is excellent for the period and it survives as an exceptional relic of the War Between the States. It is of interest to note that kerchief bears marked similarities to another, especially rare, pro-Union variety, that was produced in London for the American market. Notably larger in scale, but very much alike in terms of the fabric, the printing, the shades of red and blue, the verbiage, and the general overall graphic feel, it was produced by Foster & Porter, a known, English maker of printed kerchiefs. Instead of featuring George Washington, the imagery centers on a large cannon...
Category

1860s American Antique Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

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Ohio State Parade Flag with a Civil War Veterans Overprint
Located in York County, PA
OHIO STATE FLAG WITH CIVIL WAR VETERANS' OVERPRINT FROM THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC POST IN COLUMBUS, MADE IN MOURNING OF THE 1925 PASSING OF NATIONAL G.A.R. COMMANDER IN CHIEF DANIEL M. HALL, WHO ALSO SERVED AS COMMANDER OF THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF THE G.A.R., AS WELL AS THE LOCAL CHAPTER Flag of the State of Ohio, printed on oilcloth-like cotton, affixed to its original wooden staff. Made for Civil War veteran's use, the flag bears a stamped overprint in the striped field that consists of an open wreath of laurel branches, inside which is the following text: “GAR [Grand Army of the Republic] Post, Dan Hall, Columbus, OH”. Born on October 20th, 1842, Daniel M. Hall enlisted with the Union Army as a Private at the age of 18 on August 25th, 1861. On October 8th of that year he mustered into the Co. H of the 2nd Ohio Cavalry. Discharged for disability on June 28th, 1862, he reenlisted approximately 17 months later, on November 11th, 1863, and mustered into Co. F of the 12th Ohio Cavalry at Camp Cleveland. He was at some point promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and, on February 21st, 1864, to the rank of Corporal. He mustered out at Nashville on November 14th, 1865. Hall mustered into the Hamlin Post of the Ohio G.A.R. on May 23rd, 1883. He would go on to serve not only as Commander of the Dept. of Ohio for the organization, but as National Commander of the entire Grand Army of the Republic. The Grand Army of the Republic was the primary veterans association for Union Civil War soldiers. Founded in 1866, its members dressed up in Civil War uniforms, attended parades and reunions, and the organization was somewhat more fraternal in nature than today’s VFW or American Foreign Legion. Flags overprinted for the purpose of advertising are a specialized form in American flag collecting. A flag with a basic G.A.R. overprint is the most common type. This might be accompanied by a post number and a date. More elaborate the overprints are more highly desired, such as this one, which is the only variation I know of that honors a particular person who was not the namesake of the chapter itself. It is of interest to note that a sister variety of 48 star parade flag is known, printed on the same fabric, that bears the same overprint, accompanied by the words: “We Mourn Our Comrade." From the additional text on the 48 star variety, one can extrapolate that the flags were made to mourn the passing of this important leader of Civil War veterans on October 19th, 1925, just one day before his 83rd birthday. The State Flag of Ohio was designed in 1901 by Cleveland architect John Eisenmann, who designed the Ohio building for the state's exhibition at the Pan American Exposition World's Fair in Buffalo, New York. It was officially adopted by the Ohio legislature on May 19th, 1902. It's elements are centered on a red disc, set against a circular white ground that forms a letter "O." This simultaneously represents a buckeye, the fruit of the state tree and an iconic Ohio symbol. The flag's 5 stripes are said to represent the state's waterways and roads, while the triangular shape of the union is said to illustrate hills and valleys. The presentation of 13 stars along the hoist end, arranged in a semi-circular medallion with two off-set stars above and below, reflects the original 13 colonies. The diamond of stars, towards the fly end. bring the overall count to 17 to reflect Ohio's admission. When the design was adopted by the state legislature, the position of these stars was changed slightly, moving them further around the circle to form a wreath. Flag expert Whitney Smith, who coined the term Vexillology in the late 1950's (the accepted term for the study of flags), pointed out that the format of the flag itself was reminiscent of Civil War cavalry guidons, carried by Ohio regiments throughout the state. These were of swallowtail form, though with 13 stripes, all horizontal and 90 degrees to the hoist. Most often these had circular star patterns around an open center, which makes them even more similar to the Ohio flag...
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H 64 in W 18 in D 16 in
19th Century Gilt and Gesso Frame attributed to President James Polk Estate
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39-Star Antique American Flag with 'Whimsical' Star Pattern, 1889
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This is a 39-star unofficial American flag, handmade and printed on cotton. The flag dates to 1889 and has a unique history, thanks to its rare star-count. The flag’s canton is prin...
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Circa 1930s French Silk Brocade Clutch
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circa 1930s French silk brocade clutch with gilt brass & carved carnelian in woven brass clasp. Back with hand grip. Some losses near the top on both sides...
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Circa 1930s French Silk Brocade Clutch
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Large Civil War recruitment Broadside for the 53rd New York Volunteer Infantry
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LARGE CIVIL WAR RECRUITMENT BROADSIDE FOR THE 53RD NEW YORK VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, 5th REGIMENT, "EAGLE BRIGADE," WITH AN ATTRACTIVE AND COMPELLING ...
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38-Star Antique American Flag with Unique Canton, circa 1876-1890
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Previously Available Items
46 Star Silk American Flag, Stars in Canted Rows, Oklahoma State, c 1907-1912
Located in York County, PA
46 STAR, SLIK, ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG, WITH STARS IN CANTED ROWS, REFLECTS THE ADDITION OF OKLAHOMA TO THE UNION DURING THE PRESIDENCY OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT, 1907-1912 46 star Amer...
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Early 20th Century American Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

Sailors Souvenir Embroidery with 13 Stars Crossed Flags and Eagle circa1885-1910
Located in York County, PA
Exceptional sailor’s souvenir embroidery from the orient, with 13 stars, crossed flags, and a federal eagle, perched for flight, on a patriotic shield; significantly larger and more ...
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Late 19th Century Asian Antique Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

Silk Kerchief Made for the 1912 Campaign of Teddy Roosevelt, with Bears & Sticks
Located in York County, PA
SILK CAMPAIGN KERCHIEF IN AN UNUSUAL, HORIZONTAL FORMAT, MADE TO PROMOTE THE 1912 PRESIDENTIAL RUN OF TEDDY ROOSEVELT, WHEN HE RAN ON THE NATIONAL PROGRESSIVE PARTY “BULL MOOSE” TICKET: Bull moose heads, large clubs (sticks), and standing bears wielding clubs decorate this rectangular format bandana from the 1912 presidential campaign of Theodore Roosevelt. These images surround a center medallion that encircles the date and Teddy’s famous Rough Riders hat. The elements were widely recognized symbols of the man who won America’s heart, but fell out of favor with the Grand Old Party when he decided to run against incumbent President William Howard Taft on an independent, National Progressive Party ticket. Printed on silk, in red, white, and blue, this interesting textile has the party’s name, spelled in block letters, arranged in a wave format along the border. Roosevelt nicknamed his the “Bull Moose Party...
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1910s American Vintage Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

19th C Elks Lodge Large Banner Seacoast Temple Atlantic Highlands New Jersey
Located in Savannah, GA
Large very detailed banner from the Elks Lodge hangs on a long brass rod with fringe and tassels.The I.B.P.O. stands for the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the W...
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Early 1900s American Folk Art Antique Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Brass

36 Star Flag Made of Woven Silk For the 1876 Centennial Expo
Located in York County, PA
FRENCH-DESIGNED AMERICAN FLAG, WOVEN SILK WITH TEXT ON BOTH SIDES, PRODUCED FOR THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE; LIKELY MADE IN PHILADELPHIA AT THE 1876 CENTENNIAL INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION American national flag, made of silk, designed for the 1876 Centennial International Exposition in Philadelphia. This major World’s Fair event, held in Fairmont Park, lasted from May through November of that year, and served as the nucleus of the celebration of our nation’s 100th anniversary of independence. The flag is woven in the manner of a Stevensgraph (a woven pictorial panel), a process new to the textile industry and no-doubt chosen to be shown off in the many displays of technological advancement that were the primary theme of the fair. The flag has 36 stars, which does not relate to its period of use, probably due to lack of French knowledge concerning the proper number of stars at the time, which was officially 37, though most flags-makers in America were producing examples with 38 or 39 stars.* Woven onto the red stripes on one side of the flag is the following text: “Philadelphia International Exhibition; America and France; Union For Ever; Souvenir.” Woven into the white stripes on the reverse side is the following: “Philadelphia International Exhibition; Union For Ever; 1776 Centennial 1876; Memento.” Though the name of the maker is not known, based upon my knowledge of other small woven textiles of this nature, produced and sold at the exposition, I think it very likely that the flag was actually made there, on site, as part of the French exhibit. One of the most significant reasons behind World’s Fair events was to showcase new technology. The ability to utilize modified versions of jacquard weave looms to produce textiles of this nature was a marvel of the time. Most of the pioneers in this field wove bookmarks, cloth postcards, and small, frameable, souvenir textiles. This is the only known variety of parade flag that I know of with this manner of construction. I also know of no other Stevensgraph-like textile that displays images or lettering on both sides of a single length of fabric. These flags originally came on an unusually nice staff, varnished red, capped with a tiny brass finial. This was of very high quality when compared to almost all other parade flags of any period, most of which are affixed to a simple, unfinished wooden dowel. For some reason, the staffs of these woven silk flags are almost always absent. * 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 almost no one followed the official guidelines, which the average American probably had no knowledge of anyway. Few flag-makers would have continued to produce 37 star flags, when their competitors were making 38’s to include Colorado. It is for this reason that flags with 38 and 13 stars (to represent the original 13 colonies...
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Late 19th Century American Antique Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

38 Star American Parade Flag, Colorado Statehood, 1876-89, Battle Flag Style
Located in York County, PA
38 Star antique American parade flag in a square, battle flag style, printed on silk, with beautiful cornflower blue and scarlet red coloration; possibly sold as a kerchief / bandanna; unique among known examples, probably made for the 1888 campaign of Benjamin Harrison; reflects colorado statehood, 1876-1889: This unusual, square format, printed silk flag is of a type that could be tacked to a staff and waved as a traditional parade flag. Alternatively, it could be gathered and waved from the hand, as a kerchief or bandanna, or worn decoratively as such. At this time in America, flag ethics had not yet taken form, and had only recently begun to be considered. The count of 38 stars reflects the addition of Colorado as 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 remained the official star count for the American flag in 1876. It was almost universally abandoned, however, as flag-making was a competitive venture, and few flag-makers wished to continue to produce 37 star flags, when their competitors were making 38’s. In fact, some flag-makers would have been adding a star for the 38th state even before it entered the Union, in the early part of 1876, or even prior. In fact, many makers of parade flags were actually producing 39 star flags, in hopeful anticipation of the addition of two more Western Territories instead of one. But the 39th state would not join the Union for another 13 years, when the Dakota Territory entered as two states (numbers 39 and 40) on the same day, on November 2nd, 1889. A large series of patriotic textiles, such as this, were produced for the successful presidential campaign of Benjamin Harrison in 1888. Most bore the Republican Party slogan of “Protection to American Industries,” or text that conveyed a similar message. At least three different styles, including this one, were both square in shape and bore graphics that were entirely a flag, with no printed text to identify it as anything but that, and with no sort of political advertising. The profile of this particular flag mimicked that of military battle...
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Late 19th Century American Antique Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

American 39 Star Flag, circa 1889
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique American 39 Star Flag, circa 1889, a period silk made in the "Dancing Star" pattern, where the stars are oriented at an alternating upright and slanted angle (prior to being standardized by Congress). The 39 star flag was never an official American flag sanctioned by Congress, but was made by states to celebrate the two Dakotas admission into the Union in 1889. The flag is in very good condition, with only a few very small stains, just sufficient to call attention to the age of this flag. Conservation mounted on fabric backing in a tiger maple frame...
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1880s American Federal Antique Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

American 39 Star Flag, circa 1889
American 39 Star Flag, circa 1889
H 20 in W 29 in D 1 in
13-Star American Flag Silk Banner, circa 1876-1900
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a large 13-star American flag banner, in a striking vertical format. The all-silk constructed banner features a rich blue canton with 13 white stars. The silk stars are ...
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Late 19th Century American Antique Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

39-Star Patriotic Silk Flag, circa 1876-1888
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is a 39-star unofficial American flag, printed on silk. The flag dates between 1877 and 1889, showcasing a whimsical star pattern in the canton. The flag's canton boasts a 6/7/7/6/7/6 row pattern of white stars printed on a dark blue ground. Thirteen red and white stripes, to represent the 13 original states in the Union, complete the design. An official flag with only 39 stars was never approved by Congress. Flagmakers often gambled on how many states would be admitted each year and would produce flags with the number of stars they predicted would be approved that session. These flagmakers assumed the Dakota Territory would be the only new state admitted that year and printed a flag with just one more star than the last. Unfortunately for the company, not only was the territory split into North and South Dakota, but three other states were also added to the new design by the time Congress voted on July 4, 1890. As a result, this 39-star flag is considered “unofficial,” giving the patriotic piece an interesting and unique history. CONDITION: Very good condition. Silk flag...
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1880s American Antique Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

Large Scale, Jacquard Silk Ribbon Made to Mourn the Death of Lincoln ca 1866
Located in York County, PA
EXTRAORDINARY, JUMBO SCALE, JAQUARD-WOVEN, SILK RIBBON, MADE TO MOURN THE DEATH OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN, SIGNED & DATED BY THE MAKER, JORDAN TCHAPP, OF BASEL, SWITZERLAND, 1866: Exceptional portrait of Abraham Lincoln. on woven, silk ribbon, made in the fashion of a Stevensgraph, signed & dated by Jordan Tchapp of Besel, Switzerland, 1866. Made for the American market, to mourn the death of America’s beloved, 16th president, Lincoln’s image is set within an oval window, crowned with a federal eagle, holding an olive branch in a gesture of peace. Beneath its wings, to each side, is an array of arrows, with shafts in the likeness of lightning bolts. The bird is perched on a billowing streamer that decorates the crest of a fanciful frame, with text that reads “With Charity to all, with malice for none.” [A slight and likely unintentional paraphrase of words taken from Lincoln’s second inaugural address: “With malice toward none, with charity for all.”] To the left and right of America’s martyred commander-in-chief are 22 stars. If Tchapp designed the work in April of 1865, he may have been referencing the official number of stars on the flag, 35, less the 13 Confederate States. Likely, however, this count is also unintentional. The frame rests in the apex of crossed American flags with star counts of 13 and 15, respectively. These could be copied from an engraving of some sort, as could the remainder of the image. Lady...
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1860s Swiss Antique Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

WWII "Remember Pearl Harbor" Bandanna
Located in York County, PA
Rare, WWII, "Remember Pearl Harbor" bandanna with 13 stars and a striped field with twelve, iconic, patriotic slogans. Made in the patriotism of WWII (U.S. involvement 1941-45,) possibly in conjunction with a war bond drive, this terrific and very rare bandanna features a square blue window in the center, where the words "Remember Pearl Harbor" appear within a circular wreath of 13 stars. This is set upon a field of 23, red and white stripes, on which 12 patriotic slogans appear in blue, block letters. The iconic American phrases include: The Price Of Liberty Is Eternal Vigilance [unknown source] Right Makes Might [Abraham Lincoln at the Cooper Union, Philadelphia] Speak Softly But Carry A Big Stick [Teddy Roosevelt's slogan regarding the best approach to foreign policy] Lafayette We Are Here [Charles E. Stanton, WWI officer and nephew of Lincoln's Secretary of War, while standing before the Frenchman's grave in 1917] Don’t Tread On Me [Rev. War slogan from a flag designed by South Carolina politician Christopher Gadsen] Freedom Shall Not Perish From This Earth [Abraham Lincoln during the Gettysburg Address, with slight rewording] Don’t Give Up This Ship [Capt. James Lawrence aboard the U.S.S. Chesapeake during the Rev. War] Make The World Safe For Democracy [Woodrow Wilson before a joint session of Congress in 1917, seeking a Declaration of War against Germany] Do Or Die. Never Surrender [general WWII patriotism] Keep ‘Em Flying...
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Mid-20th Century American Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

WWII "Remember Pearl Harbor" Bandanna
WWII "Remember Pearl Harbor" Bandanna
H 35.75 in W 35 in D 2.5 in
Flag Wavers 2-in-1 Celebration, 25-Star and 44-Star Flags Framed Together
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a unique celebration of early American parade flag wavers. This item includes two antique American parade flag wavers framed together, a 25-star American flag...
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19th Century American Antique Silk Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

Materials

Cotton, Silk

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