Frame Size (H x L): 12” x 15”
Flag Size (H x L): 5” x 8”

Offered is a terrific thirteen-star parade flag. It is printed on glazed cotton and dates to between 1861 and 1876. Its stars are arranged in a medallion with a center star, eight stars in a ring surrounding the center star, and four flanking stars surrounding the ring. Most thirteen-star medallions include a large center star. However, the medallion of the flag offered herein is quite unusual, in that its center star is the same size as the other stars, and further, its stars—center and otherwise—are notably small.

This flag likely dates to the Civil War era. It was discovered with an eight-star flag and a group of thirty-six star flags. Because they were all so similar, and because the eight-star and thirty-six star flags date firmly to the Civil War era, the flag offered herein was likely made or procured at the same time as the others.

While this flag may appear small to the inexperienced, it is—in reality—relatively large for its era. Most printed, antique, thirteen-star flags are between three and four inches wide. The larger scale of this flag makes it more desirable and visually impactful.

President Grant signed a proclamation admitting Colorado to the Union as the 38th state and it became known as the “Centennial State,” a result of becoming an official state just twenty-eight days after the centennial. The official star count for US flags in 1876 was the thirty-seven star flag. However, it was common for flag makers to produce anticipatory flags in advance of their official date, making the thirty-eight star flag—and for historical reasons, the thirteen star flag—the most common flags flown during the centennial celebrations of 1876.

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. They 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 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: The antique frame has an orange, crackled, painted surface. It dates to approximately 1880 and compliments the flag.

Condition Report: There are a few age-appropriate spots and stains. Even so, it is in excellent condition and looks great.

Collectability Level: The Great – Perfect Rising Collectors
Date of Origin: 1861-1865
Number of Stars: 13
Associated War: The Civil War (1861-1865)
Associated State: Original 13 Colonies