Frame Size (H x L): 25” x 33”
Flag Size (H x L): 16” x 24”

Offered is a thirteen-star antique flag, dating to between 1876 and 1898, with a 3-2-3-2-3 pattern and stars that are consistently canted to the 1:00 position.  The 3-2-3-2-3 pattern, which looks like a diamond of stars surrounded by corner stars, is sometimes referred to as the Hopkinson pattern after Francis Hopkinson.  While no one knows for sure, it may have been the star pattern for the first flag (not the Betsy Ross pattern).  While it is clear that Ross made flags in in Philadelphia in the 1770's, there is no evidence that she made the first flag in the form of letters, articles, journals, or records.  Historians generally do not accept that Ross designed or made the first flag, and instead support that Hopkinson designed it.  Hopkinson was a member of the Continental Congress, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and a lawyer.  The evidence supporting Hopkinson's role includes his claim to Congress, for payment, for having furnished the design of "the flag of the United States of America." 

This flag is printed on cotton and is thought to be of foreign origin, given that several years ago a group of them was found in Canada and further given their rarity in the United States.  Originally, this flag was printed on cotton bunting with a number of other flags.  Between each flag, there was a white stripe that could be used to cut along with scissors.  When this strip is left intact, it leaves what looks like a fourteenth stripe, which adds to its visual appeal.  This flag includes an unusual red bar that extends vertically along the left edge of the canton.  Of additional note, this flag is much larger than its cotton counterparts dating to the between the Centennial and the turn of the century.  This flag measures 16” by 24”, while its counterparts are usually no larger than around 6” by 9”.           

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. 

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

Condition Report: As shown in the images, this flag is in great condition.  

Collectability Level: The Great – Perfect for Rising Collectors  
Date of Origin: 1876-1898
Number of Stars: 13
Associated War: Spanish-American War (1898)   
Associated State: Original 13 Colonies