Frame Size (H x L): 40” x 57”
Flag Size (H x L): 30” x 48”

Offered is a thirteen-star antique yacht flag with a wonderful overall appearance.  The flag includes a twill cotton binding along the hoist and a pair of brass grommets, one of which has been reinforced into place with hand stitching.  The dimensions of the flag are written along the binding in pencil.  Its stripes are made of wool, and its stars are made of cotton and sewn to both sides of the canton (i.e., double appliqued), using a zig-zag stitching technique.  The zig-zag stitching indicates that this flag likely dates to 1895 or later, while its overall construction and appearance indicate that it likely dates to 1926 or earlier.      

This flag is referred to as a private US yacht ensign or a yacht flag, and it was used in place of a traditional US flag on private pleasure craft in US waters.  Such flags include a canted anchor surrounded by a circular wreath of thirteen stars.  Prior to modern income tax laws, the federal government derived much of its revenue from tariffs and customs levied on foreign goods entering US harbors.  As the popularity of private yachting increased, customs officials were spending unnecessary time inspecting yachts that were not involved in commerce.  To alleviate this burden, in 1848, Congress officially designated the use of the US yacht ensign for private vessels that were properly licensed by the Treasury Department.  Upon licensing and flying the US yacht ensign, private vessels could then enjoy the exemption from customs procedures. 

The US yacht ensign was never meant to replace the national ensign, but was rather meant to be used in addition to the standard national ensign, the yacht ensign being on the masthead and the national ensign being on the stern or gaff.  Due to their similarity, however, many private vessels use only the US yacht ensign.  The law enacted in 1848 was revoked in 1980.  Despite this, use of the US yacht ensign still continues today as a result of custom and its beauty.

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, and 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 Optium Museum Acrylic.   

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

Condition Report: The fly end of this flag exhibits some damage, as a result of extended use.  The most notable damage is near the top right corner and near the bottom right corner.  The corners of the fly end experience significant stresses when a flag is flown in heavy winds, and thus such damage is typical of yacht flags and also navy flags.  Many collectors prefer flags that show their age and heavy use.   

Collectability Level: The Great – Perfect for Rising Collectors  
Date of Origin: 1895-1926  
Number of Stars: 13
Associated War: World War I (1914-1918)   
Associated State: Original 13 Colonies