Frame Size (H x L): 36.5” x 56.5”  
Flag Size (H x L): 25.5” x 47”  

Offered is a thirteen-star antique American flag with an oval of twelve stars, surrounding a single center star, all of which are the same size.  This star configuration is referred a Cowpens configuration or as a 3rd Maryland configuration. 

A flag with this configuration was said to have been carried by William Batchelor of the Maryland Light Infantry, at the Battle of Cowpens, in 1781.  The Battle was fought by Continental Army forces against the British Army, and was a turning point in the Revolutionary War.  The actual flag used in the Battle of Cowpens was thought to have been in the possession of the state of Maryland (see the image).  However, Grace Rogers Cooper, former curator of textiles in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of History and Technology, determined that the “actual flag” probably dated to no earlier than 1843.  This revised assessment was based on the kind of cotton stars, the kind of cotton thread, and a comparison with a positively identified Mexican War Era flag.  

Cowpens flags are among the most difficult of all thirteen-star flags to find, and they also have a fantastic visual appeal.  In our experience, of the thirteen-star antique flags that come to market, around 75% are the 3-2-3-2-3 Hopkinson pattern, around 20% are the medallion pattern, and the remaining 5% are various different patterns, including the Cowpens pattern, the 4-5-4 pattern, and Betsy Ross pattern.   

The wool stripes are individually cut and machine sewn together, the wool canton is machine sewn to the stripes, and the cotton twill hoist—which includes two brass grommets—is machine sewn to both the stripes and canton.  More specifically, the stripes, the canton, and the hoist are joined via treadle stitching.  Treadle stitching was a technical possibility beginning in the 1830s, but not a realistic possibility until the 1850s.  Treadle stitching became relatively common by the 1860s, typically to sew the stripes, the canton, and/or the hoist. 

The stars of this flag are double-appliqued, meaning that they are applied to both sides.  They were applied with a lineal treadle stitch, a stitch that is most commonly found between 1890 and 1895.  Prior to this time, stars were commonly applied by hand, and after this, they were commonly applied using a zig-zag stitch.  While lineal stitches can be found in some Civil War flags, it is the exception, rather than rule.  The reason for its rarity in this era is simply a function of the available technology.  Prior to Singer’s introduction of the electric sewing machine in 1889, flag makers applying a lineal stich had to place each star on the canton, fold its edges under, pump a treadle machine—and while doing all of this—properly move both the star and canton through it.  While this was not an impossible task, the introduction of the electric sewing machine made it much easier.  By the mid-1890s, many flag makers had already transitioned away from the lineal stitch and to the zig-zag stitch, as its use provided the advantage of not having to fold the edges of the stars.

The original use of the thirteen-star flag dates to June 14th, 1777, the time at which the Continental Congress adopted a resolution creating the first official flag.  The resolution stated, “Resolved, that the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, that the union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation.”  Thirteen-star flags were official from 1777-1795, but have been in use ever since. 

Small US Navy boats used it as the ensign from 1795 until 1916.  Thirteen-star flags were also flown at the time of George Washington’s death in 1799 and to celebrate the nation’s 50th anniversary in 1824.  They were also flown in 1824 in honor of General Lafayette’s return to the US for his nationwide tour.  Celebrations for his Revolutionary War service were held in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, along with many locations in the southern and western states. 

Further, thirteen-star flags were also common during the Mexican War in 1846-1848 and the Civil War in 1861-1865.  They were both relatively close in time to the revolution, and were very patriotic times, particularly during the Civil War time period when flag use became much more common than had ever previously been the case. 

Conservation Process: This flag 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 flag, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash.  The flag is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: This offering is in our X-Large Distressed Black with Silver Liner Frame. 

Condition Report: The flag exhibits minor mothing throughout its surface.  In certain limited locations, the red and white stripes began to separate from one another.  Such separations have been repaired and stabilized.  Overall, this flag is outstanding in appearance.

Collectability Level: The Best – Perfect for Advanced Collectors  
Date of Origin: 1890-1895  
Number of Stars: 13 
Associated State: Original 13 Colonies