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13-Star Flag with Curiously Small Stars in a Medallion Configuration

About the Item

13 CURIOUSLY SMALL STARS IN A MEDALLION CONFIGURATION, ON A SMALL-SCALE FLAG OF THE 1890-1900 ERA, WITH WONDERFUL PRESENTATION: 13 star flag of the type made from roughly the last decade of the 19th century through the first quarter of the 20th century. The stars are arranged in a medallion configuration, with a single, center star and four flanking corner stars. Most 13-star, flags of this period have a less-desirable, staggered row design with stars arranged in counts of 3-2-3-2-3. Medallion patterns, like this one, seem to comprise about 20-25% of such flags that were produced during this era. On this particular flag, the stars are curiously small in scale in proportion to the size of the flag, which adds an interesting element to its visual appearance. A bit more crude than the typical example, the flag has a nice, early, and somewhat more whimsical presentation than others of its kind. These features suggest that is among the earliest examples of small 13 star flags of this general form and construction, which were popular between 1890 and the 1920’s. This particular flag was probably made in the 10-year time frame between 1890 and 1900. Why 13 Stars? 13 star flags have been continuously produced throughout our nation's history for purposes both patriotic and utilitarian. This was the original number of stars on the American flag, representing the 13 colonies, so it was appropriate for any flag made in conjunction with celebrations or notions of American independence. 13 star flags were displayed at patriotic events, including Lafayette’s visit in 1825-26, 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 in political campaigning for the same reason. 13 star flags were flown by American ships both private and federal. The U.S. Navy used 13 stars on the ensigns made for small boats, because they wished the stars to be easily discerned at a distance. As the number of stars grew with the addition of new states, two circumstances occurred. One, it became more and more difficult to fit stars on a small flag and two, it became more difficult to view them from afar as individual objects. The same logic was adopted in the private marketplace. For all practical purposes, commercial flag-makers simply didn't produce flags with pieced-and-sewn construction that were 3-4 feet in length that bore the full star count until well into the 20th century. There are exceptions to this rule, but until this time, the smallest sewn flags were between approximately 5 and 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. But private use grew with the passage of time, 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. Most measured approximately 2 x 3 feet (like this example) or 2.5 x 4 feet, though there was certainly variation. Applying the same logic as the U.S. Navy, flag-makers chose the 13 star count rather than the full complement of stars for sake of ease and visibility. Any flag that has previously been official, remains so according to the flag acts, so 13 star flags were and still are official today. Construction: The canton and stripes of the flag are made of wool bunting, pieced by machine. The cotton stars are machine-sewn with a zigzag stitch and double-appliquéd (applied to both sides of the flag). The narrow blue cotton binding along the hoist is an unusual feature. Some of the small scale 13 star flags of this period did not have a heavy-duty, ivory colored binding with metal grommets, like most commercially-produced flags, but were instead lightly bound tacked to their staffs with metal tacks. That is the case here. Others had no binding at all and instead ribbons were sewn to three points along the hoist by the maker. Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% natural fabrics for support on every seam and throughout the star field. Fabrics of similar coloration were chosen for masking purposes. The flag was then hand-stitched to a background of twill cotton, black in color, which was washed to reduce excess dye. An acid-free agent was added to the wash to further set the dye and the fabric was heat-treated for the same purpose. The mount was then placed in a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The glazing is U.V. protective Plexiglas. Condition: There is minor mothing throughout and minor to moderate soiling. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use. Frame Size (H x L): 35.25" x 44.25" Flag Size (H x L): 24.75" x 33"

Dimensions:
Height: 35.25 in (89.54 cm)Width: 44.25 in (112.4 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
Period:
Late 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1890-1900
Condition:
See Item Description.
Seller Location:
York County, PA
Reference Number:
Seller: 13j-13501stDibs: LU84972262012

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