Frame Size (H x L): 47” x 67”  
Flag Size (H x L): 35” x 55”  

Offered is a thirteen-star antique American flag.  There are twelve stars surrounding a single center star, all of which are the same size.  This star pattern is referred a Cowpens pattern or as a 3rd Maryland pattern.  A flag with this pattern 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 proved to be 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 hoist strip includes two zinc grommets, and a “3 X 5 A.D. CO.” stamp.  The “3 x 5” refers to the marked size of the flag, and the “A.D. CO.” refers to its maker (who is unknown to us).  The size of this flag—three feet by five feet—is likely a size that is associated with a date manufacture of 1912 or later.  These proportions are in alignment with President Taft’s Executive Order, in 1912, that established the official proportions of the flag.    

The stripes and canton of this flag are made of wool bunting, and each individual piece is machine sewn into place.  Its stars are made of cotton and sewn to both sides of the canton (i.e., double appliqued), using a zig-zag stitch.  Such construction is consistent with flags made in 1926 or earlier.  As a result of the proportions of this flag and its construction, we estimate that this flag was made between 1912 and 1926.    

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.  Thirteen-star flags were also flown during the centennial celebrations, which were held across the country and, most notably, in Philadelphia at the Centennial International Exhibition. 

Conservation Process: This flag was hand sewn to silk organza, and both were hand sewn to cotton fabric.  The silk organza provides a strong layer of protection and a professional appearance.  The flag, the silk organza, and the cotton fabric were then 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 Conservation Clear Acrylic (standard) or behind Optium Museum Acrylic (per request).   

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

Condition Report: The flag has some minor tears along its hoist, and a small tear near the fly end on the white stripe that rests underneath the canton.  In other respects, this flag is in excellent condition.

Collectability Level: The Great – Perfect for Rising Collectors  
Date of Origin: 1912-1926
Number of Stars: 13
Associated State: Original 13 Colonies