This flag is a
strikingly beautiful and unique example from the
American Centennial Era. The rich coloration of
the flag, unique star pattern, and entirely hand sewn
construction makes it a rarity among flags made during
this period. By the time this flag was made, most
flags contained some degree of machine stitching,
especially of the stripes, but this flag contains none.
The whip stitched grommets are also unusual for a flag
of this period, since the convenience, availability and
durability of metal grommets made their use common by
this time. The
flag is made of wool bunting with cotton stars.
The cotton stars rotate freely on their axis
and are thin and spindly,
 imparting
a twinkling effect to them.
The pattern appears to be
somewhat linear, but the organization seems to fall
apart in the left
half of the canton.
Still, there seems to be
some structure to the pattern, especially when
visualized vertically, with two vertical rows on either
side of two arcs in a "tombstone" configuration.
Whether this was
intentional or not is unknown, but it is precisely these
kinds of unique and intriguing star patterns that makes
flags such as this so special. The bright, clean
appearance of the flag indicates that it did not see
prolonged use, and it was well cared for and preserved
for the past 130 years. The wool is vibrant and
clean, with creamy white stripes, bright white stars,
and a deep blue canton. The flag is very small for
a 19th century example, being less than four feet in
length. All together, it is a unique and beautiful
example of a Centennial era hand made flag. |
