SINGLE-APPLIQUED THIRTEEN STAR SEVENTEEN STRIPE AMERICAN FLAG ENTIRELY HAND-SEWN.
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Item Description
29x43.5". Likely mid to late 19th century. Each stripe and canton are hand stitched wool bunting. Each star is a unique hand trimmed piece of cotton single appliqued to canton. Twill cotton hoist has three handmade holes for mounting w/no signs of previous grommets being mounted. Canton has 13 stars in a medallion pattern w/seven stars, 4.25" dia., forming a circle around two stars at center and each corner accented by a star that is 3.5" dia. The right center star is nearly completely lost w/stitched edges remaining. Otherwise, stars have scattered mothing losses. Wool in stripes and canton have scattered fabric pulls and moderate wear. Overall VG. 13 star flags have been used throughout our Nation's history for a variety of purposes. In addition to their use on private yachts, the U.S. Navy used the 13 star count on small boats, both in the 18th century and through the 19th century, particularly the second half. The Navy's use of the 13 star flag ended in 1916 following a Woodrow Wilson executive order. Among other uses, 13 star flags were carried by soldiers during the Mexican and Civil Wars, used at patriotic events including Lafayette's visit in 1825-26, flown at the celebration of the Nation's centennial in 1876 and the sesquicentennial in 1926. While the canton and star pattern are fascinating in their own right perhaps the most interesting element of this flag is the 17 stripe fly configuration. The Flag Act of 1777 states "That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." The Flag Act of 1794 notes "...the flag of the United States, be fifteen stripes alternate red and white. That the Union be fifteen stars, white in a blue field." Between the 1794 Act and the most recent Flag Act of 1818 that established thirteen stripes no official flags featuring 16, 17 or 18 stars. Ohio entered the union as the 17th state in 1802 and was followed by Louisiana in April of 1812. While it's our opinion this flag dates from later an enterprising designer could have produced it around the resurgence in patriotism during the period. Another known 17 stripe flag, featuring a 31 star canton, has been tied to the California-Oregon secessionist movement w/the symbolism of 17 tied to the hopeful secession of both California and Oregon. While that may apply to this flag we feel it's more likely a product of patriotic Ohio designer likely produced around the Civil War or the 1876 Centennial. Whatever the origin the current offering is an impressive statement piece in any room or office. The enchanting cut of each star in two sizes combined with the pleasing canton arrangement and 17 stripes makes this a fascinating specimen w/oodles of folksy charm.
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