Frame Size (H x L): 34” x 46”
Flag Size (H x L): 23” x 35”

Offered is a thirteen-star yacht flag with hand-sewn, single-appliquéd stars and anchor.

A flag with single-appliquéd stars is one in which the stars are sewn to just one side of the canton, the canton is cut-away from behind each star, and the canton is then hemmed. As such, the single piece of material used for each star can be seen on both sides of the flag. The single-appliqué method is difficult to execute, but it reduces the weight of the flag and conserves the amount of material necessary to make it. Single-appliquéd flags are much rarer than double-appliquéd flags, and they are more attractive and folksy in their appearance.

We estimate that this flag dates to between 1875 and 1890. Most single-appliquéd flags date to 1890 or earlier, though some may date to as late as 1910 (e.g., some made by Annin Company in New York). By 1890, many flag makers affixed stars using a lineal stitch, and by 1894, many had already transitioned to the zig-zag stitch, as its use provided the advantage of not having to fold the edges of the stars when sewing.

A yacht flag is used in place of a traditional 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 a lot of 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 The law enacted in 1848 was revoked in 1980. But despite this, use of the US yacht ensign 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, 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.

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

Condition Report: This flag has mothing and staining throughout. Many collectors prefer flags that show their age and use.

Collectability Level: The Great – Perfect for Rising Collectors
Date of Origin: 1875-1890
Number of Stars: 13
Associated War: The Indian Wars (1860-1890)
Associated State: Original 13 Colonies