Frame Size (H x L): 49” x 72”
Flag Size (H x L): 37” x 60”

Offered is a thirteen-star flag with a medallion star pattern. The thirteen-star medallion pattern is among the most attractive and rare of the thirteen-star patterns. Of the thirteen-star antique flags that come to market, around 75% are the 3-2-3-2-3 Hopkinson pattern, 20% are the thirteen-star medallion pattern, and the remaining 5% are various different patterns, including the 4-5-4 and Betsy Ross patterns.

The medallion of this flag is particularly unique, in that the flanking stars are unusually close to the ring of stars—almost to the point that the flanking and ring stars form outward facing parentheses (i.e., one at each of the top, bottom, left and right). The thirteen-star medallion pattern is generally encountered in flags dating to the Centennial and into the early 1900s. This is an earlier example and dates to between 1870 and 1885, perhaps even a bit earlier.

The wool stripes are individually cut and handsewn together, the wool canton is handsewn to the stripes, and the cotton twill hoist is handsewn to both the stripes and canton. The stars of this flag are made of cotton, and they are handsewn to both sides of the canton (i.e., double appliqued). Prior to Singer’s introduction of the electric sewing machine, flag makers using machine stitching 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. Because of these difficulties associated with early sewing machines, until 1885, stars were commonly applied by hand—as is the case with this flag.

The canton of this flag is a striking cornflower blue. The First Flag Act of 1777 specified the number of stripes and the colors of the flag, but it did not specify the exact shades of each color, which is why some flags—like this one—have unusual colors. The exact shades were not officially specified until 1934.

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 between 1777 and 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. Patriotic 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.

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

Condition Report: There are a number of small holes and tears. The larger of the holes and tears have been masked with red, white, and blue antique wool. There is some staining on the hoist and stars, but such is common on a flag of this era. There is an old repair on the top of the fly end of the red stripe. The repair was made using silk. We left it as-is, given its age and interesting nature. Overall, this is an impressive, age-appropriate flag.

Collectability Level: The Best – Perfect for Advanced Collectors
Date of Origin: 1870-1885
Number of Stars: 13
Associated War: Spanish-American War (1898)
Associated State: Original 13 Colonies