Frame Size (H x L): 10” x 8.5”
Flag Size (H x L): 1” x 2.5” and Affixed to a 4” Staff

Offered is a thirteen-star parade flag with the following overprint:  

TENT 8
D. OF V.
JAN 29, ‘92

The “D. OF V.” is short for the National Alliance Daughters of Veterans.  It is an organization whose membership can trace its lineage back to the soldiers who fought for the Union.  It was founded in 1885 in Massillon, Ohio.  The Grand Army of the Republic endorsed the organization in 1900.  In 1925, it changed its name to the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War.  Its groups are split into “Tents.”  Each Tent is named after a woman who made a significant patriotic impact between 1861 and 1865.  The organization flourished during the early 20th century, but slowly disbanded as the generations closest to the Civil War passed.     

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. 

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 an antique frame.  It has a walnut outer layer and a gold inner layer.

Condition Report: This flag is in excellent condition.   

Collectability Level: The Good – Perfect for Beginning Collectors and Gifts
Date of Origin: 1892  
Number of Stars: 13
Associated War: The Civil War (1861-1865)  
Associated State: Original 13 Colonies