Frame Size (H x L): 36.5” x 51”  
Flag Size (H x L): 25.5” x 40”

Offered is a thirteen-star antique flag with a wonderful overall appearance. 

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, though interestingly in the case of this flag, its anchor is barely canted, almost to the point of being perfectly vertically oriented. 

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  The law enacted in 1848 was revoked in 1980.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 continues today as a result of custom and its attractiveness.

In the case of this flag, it includes a cotton binding along the hoist and a pair of brass grommets.  The number “1.25” is written on the binding in pencil, which may be a reference to its original price (i.e., $1.25 in 1890 is equivalent to around $35 in 2020).  The fly end is hemmed back using numerous lines of treadle stitching, the purpose being to ensure that the flag could withstand significant wind shear forces, particularly in the tough conditions encountered in the lake or on the ocean.   

Its stripes and canton are made of wool bunting and treadle sewn into place.  Its stars and unusually small anchor are made of cotton and sewn to both sides of the canton (i.e., double appliqued), using a pair of pair of treadle sewn lineal stitches.  Such stitches, in such a location, are typically found on flags dating to between 1885 and 1895.  Prior to this time, stars were commonly applied by hand, and after this, they were commonly applied using a zig-zag stitch. 

The reason for this narrow band associated with the lineal stitch on stars is simply a function of the available technology in the nineteenth century.  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, particularly with enough training and practice, the introduction of the electric sewing machine made it a lot easier.  By 1895, most flag makers had transitioned away from the lineal stitch and to the zig-zag stitch, as its use did not require folding the edges of the stars and was thus quicker and easier.

The original use of the traditional 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 between 1777 and 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 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, most notably in Philadelphia at the Centennial International Exhibition.

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 flag is in our X-Large Distressed Black with Silver Liner Frame. 

Condition Report: This flag exhibits age appropriate toning and oxidation.  Its overall appearance is excellent for its period of manufacture.

Collectability Level: The Great – Perfect for Rising Collectors  
Date of Origin: 1890-1895
Number of Stars: 13
Associated War: World War I (1914-1918)   
Associated State: Original 13 Colonies