It has been called to our attention that two Clay portrait flags similar to this (but not with coattail names) shown in Threads of History both have 13 stripes. This example has 12 full stripes and traces of a 13th at the very top edge. The trim was apparently done in 1844 as the hole for suspension, surrounded by period cloth to form a grommet, is at the upper left corner, fully intact and perfectly matching the construction of the matching suspension hole at bottom left.

This is a most impressive and rare flag with no Clay coattail flags shown in Threads of History, the Hake guides, or any auction we’ve been able to research. The flag is 26x60.5” printed and stenciled cotton with large portrait of Clay and bold deep blue last names of him, VP candidate Frelinghuysen, Thomas Stockton, successful Whig candidate for Governor in Delaware, and John Wallace Houston, successful Delaware Whig candidate for U.S. Congress.

The flag has a pair of original .5” diameter suspension holes in the left corners with original sewn fabric reinforcements front and back. There is light all over tanning of the white areas with numerous but relatively small and light moisture stains. The only very dark stains are quite small, from 1/8” up to .5” with about 5 near bottom center and two above Clay. The blue and red colors are very strong. On the far right bottom stripe a 1/8” hole and a .25” hole have small fabric patches sewn on the reverse with close color match. Also at right end, the second red stripe down has 1” wide x 1 3/8” tall hole patched from the reverse with near perfect color match. Near center is a small .5” tear neatly stitched closed from the reverse and barely showing from the front.

This flag was displayed in the home collection of Robin and Julie Powell and shown in exhibits she shared with various publics. So the flag could be safely displayed without stressing the fabric, Julie neatly hand sewed, in tiny stitches with thread matching the off-white or red color, a sleeve of beige fabric in two horizontal sections about 3” deep across the reverse top of the flag. This sleeve, open on each end, allows the insertion of a long dowel to support and safely display the flag. On one of these sleeves she inked her name and address to document ownership while the flag was on exhibition. Below this cream sleeve, she added a panel of white fabric secured along its top edge to the beige sleeve but otherwise free on three sides. This provided a barrier between the flag material and whatever painted or plaster surface it may have been displayed against.

In June, 2013, Heritage Auctions sold a flag with this same Clay portrait stating: “ It is the largest Clay flag, measuring 31x52”.” That flag retains the size record at 1612 square inches but this flag is a close second at 1573 square inches and it is apparently the only Clay coattail flag known. Julie Powell Collection.