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 This
rare flag of 12 stars flag is the companion to
IAS-00317. Both flags surfaced together in a single lot,
and have nearly identical
construction and qualities. The other flag,
IAS-317, features 15 stars, whereas this flag features
12 stars. Aside from the difference in star count,
both flags are made of wool bunting with single-appliqué
cotton stars. Both flags are nearly the same size,
and both are entirely hand sewn. On this flag, the
stars are sewn to what today is considered the front of
the flag, and peek through to the back of the flag,
whereas on the 15 star flag the stars are appliquéd to
reverse of the flag and they peeks through to the front. Both
flags have brass grommets, and both have cantons made of
the same blue wool bunting, which is of a finer weave
than the wool of the red and white stripes. This
flag has all of the qualities expected on a flag made
for Navy use as a small boat flag, and it's my belief
that this is the flag's purpose. Navy ensigns of
16 stars and 20 stars that date to the Civil War period
are well known, though scarce. Yet these two flags
are the only that I'm aware of in the unusual counts of
12 and 15. More commonly, 13 star flags in either
the 4-5-4 or 3-2-3-2-3 pattern were also used for this
purpose. But the unexpected star counts of 16, 20,
and these of 12 and 15, have symmetrical blocks of large
stars that nearly fill the canton. Very few
antique American flags of any period feature 12 stars.
The beautiful folky quality of this flag, with its large
stars, which rotate freely on their axis, along with its
extraordinary condition and rare small size, and most
important, the only small boat flag in this star count
that I am aware of, make it exceptionally rare and
important early American flag. |
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Next:
34 Stars, Great Star Flag
Civil War, 1861-1863 |
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