Frame Size (H x L): 36” x 28.5”
Banner Size (H x L): 25” x 17.5”

Offered is an antique George Washington banner. It is made of cotton and dates to America’s centennial in 1876. An example of this banner is documented in the Threads of History. The referenced example is shown as item #376 and is held by the Smithsonian Institution. The Threads of History was written by Herbert Ridgeway Collins, who was the curator of the Division of Political History at the Smithsonian Institute. His book features over 1500 textiles, dating from 1775 to 1979.

The Threads of History also includes two other banners that are in the same general format, but instead of featuring Washington, one features James A. Garfield and the other features Winfield S. Hancock. The Garfield banner is item #493. It was made in 1880 and features a portrait thought to be based on an engraving by J.C. Buttre of New York. The Hancock banner is item #494. It was also made in 1880 and features a portrait thought to be based on a phototype by E. Gutekunst of Philadelphia. These similar, but different, banners—items #376, #493, and #494—would have been made by the same person, though he or she appears to be unknown, per our research.

The center of the banner features a small image of the Liberty Bell and a large image of George Washington. Washington was the Commander-and-Chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and the president of the 1787 Constitutional Convention. His leadership in the Continental Army and in the Constitutional Convention made him a preeminent founding father and his presidency a foregone conclusion. Washington’s first election was held over a period of two weeks, starting in December of 1788 and ending in January of 1789. The United States Electoral College elected him to the presidency unanimously with 69 of the 69 first round votes, and elected John Adams to the vice-presidency with 34 of 69 first round votes (i.e., each voter casted two votes). The remaining 35 votes were split amongst 10 different candidates. Washington was again reelected unanimously in 1792.

The image of Washington is unique to this banner. In it, Washington is wearing a blue coated military uniform; he is crossing his right leg over his left leg; he is holding the reins of the bridle over his right arm; and he is pointing to a message that states, “WASHINGTON | VICTORY IS OURS | PAUL JONES.” Paul Jones is a reference to John Paul Jones, a Revolutionary War here and the father of the U.S. Navy.

The center of the banner also features a large image of Washington’s horse. Washington had two primary horses during the Revolutionary War, Blueskin and Nelson. Because Blueskin had light gray hair, he is probably the horse featured on the banner offered herein. He was purportedly obtained from the Sultan of Morocco and out of a stallion referred to as Ranger. Blueskin was known for his exceptional endurance, and for this reason, was Washington’s favorite day-to-day horse. In contrast, Nelson was Washington’s favorite battle horse, as he always remained calm, even in the presence of gunfire and cannon blasts.

A first patriotic shield is positioned above a blue oval at the 12:00 position, while similarly a second patriotic shield is positioned below the blue oval at the 6:00 position. The first and second patriotic shields are identical in form and size, and they both feature a blue field, thirteen stars, and thirteen fully developed red-and-white stripes. The stars and stripes symbolize the original thirteen states. Both shields also include an inscription, which reads, “Shield of U.S. America.”

A blue oval with thirty-nine stars surrounds Washington, Blueskin, the Liberty Bell, and the overprint. The official star count for US flags in 1876 was the thirty-seven star flag. However, it was common for flag makers to produce anticipatory flags in advance of their official date, making the thirty-eight star flag—and for historical reasons, the thirteen star flag—the most common flags flown in 1876. Thirty-nine star flags were also commonly flown in 1876. Before the admission of Colorado, flag makers speculated that an additional territory would also be admitted therewith. Because of this, some flag makers went straight from making thirty-seven to thirty-nine star flags in 1876, this banner being akin to this latter group of flags, in terms of its anticipatory star count.

Conservation Process: This banner was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board. To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the banner, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash. The banner is positioned behind a UV resistant acrylic and spaced apart therefrom using spacers.

Frame: This banner is in our Large Distressed Black and Gold Frame.

Condition Report: There is light fading and some light staining across the banner. There is a small tear at the upper-right corner.

Collectability Level: The Great – Perfect for Rising Collectors
Date of Origin: 1876