Description

Antique 13 Star Flag 1865-1876

Rare Antique Small 13 Star Sewn Civil War Flag One of the most popular flags collected today is the American National 13 Star Flag that displays a 3-2-3-2-3 pattern. It is known as the Hopkinson pattern after Francis Hopkinson of New Jersey, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and designer of this flag pattern. Although the pattern of this flag is somewhat common among thirteen star flags, we have discovered in this example a rarity that we have not found in most other flags. This 13 Star Flag is an exceptionally rare small flag in size and is believed to be one of only a small number of flags of its kind in existence today. One of the most notable features on the hoist would be two, hand-sewn “button hole” eyelets also known as grommets. Most examples of the American flag during and after the Civil War would have grommets typically constructed of brass. This particular characteristic of hand-sewn grommets leads us to believe that this flag was constructed during the Civil War period. It is also important to note the remaining stars and stripes are entirely treadle- sewn (hand or foot pump sewing) which was a common method of stitching from 1860-1865. Thirteen star flags have been representing our nation since the 18th century and have been widely used on our nations navy bases and ships. This particular flag, because it was made of cotton, would have been most likely used on land and not sea. Flags used at sea would have been made of wool in order to sustain it from the harsh elements. This Flag has slight color bleeding throughout the flag but does not have rips or tears.

• Historical Americana Company, uses modern museum framing technology to frame our antique flags. Our in house professional framers use only conservation framing methods used by museums & library’s. Only using acid free and gas free materials along with safe clearer than glass UV acrylic. Our flags are museum mounted using safe acid free hinge technology, which does not damage the flag in any way like sewing flags down does. The hinge mounting process is completely reversible which is the prime focus to achieve in todays conservation framing. That is why museums, library’s and conservators all over the world use this safe process.
• Sewing a flag down as some framers and company’s do is very costly to the customer and can damage the flag.  Sewing flags down is an out of date, old process that can and usually does damage the flag over time.  In some cases sewing the flag down can cause irreparable damage and ruin your investment in the flag you purchased.
• This is what happened to the Old Glory Flag in the Smithsonian.  The Smithsonian conservators spent millions of dollars to repair and reverse the damage to the flag caused by sewing the historical flag down.  Framers have used the sewing method in the past and some do now because they do not know any better and are stuck with a failed technology but the main reason is they make much more money from the customer by charging huge framing cost to sew a flag down. They push this method because they make a lot of money doing so. Time has proved sewing a flag down is damaging to the flag and very costly to the customer.  Our mounting process is safe, cost effective and preserves the antique flag for generations to come.
• This is a authentic antique American Flag. and is not a copy, reproduction or imitation. Each authentic antique flag shows the actual wear, age and use as it has been passed down through time.
• Upon your purchase each flag is carefully wrapped and packed with great care.  You will receive great flag information and The Flags Certificate of Authenticity.
• Email for price, please include item number.
• Rarity rating 1 to 10, 10 being the rarest: 10
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