|
This beautiful elongated
flag of 15 stars and 15 stripes is an unusual example of
an antique American flag on several counts. The
flag is clearly homemade, and its cotton material is of
a later period, likely from the 20th century. The
stars of the flag are affixed to the canton with glue.
The stars are well cut and not crudely done. The
hoist of the flag is also carefully sewn and reflects an
attention to detail not seen on flags made by children
for school projects. The printed red and white
striped material is perfectly suited for flag making,
and that may have been its intended purpose for
manufacture. The canton sits on the red "war" or
"blood" stripe, which adds another folky and attractive
trait to the flag. The 15 stars of the flag are
arranged in a circular pattern with one single center
star, known as the Cowpens or 3rd Maryland pattern.
Among antique flags, this pattern is relatively scarce
compared to the large number of flags known with rows of
stars. The use of this pattern is a throw-back to early
American flag-making and imparts a classic 18th century
look to the flag. The flag maker clearly intended
the 15 stars and 15 stripes to commemorate the 1792-1820
era. Given all of the elements of the flag,
including its construction and estimated age, and the
star and stripe count, it's reasonable to assume that
the flag was made in the 1892-1920 period. It may have
been made in 1912 to commemorate the 100th anniversary
of the War of 1812, or in 1914 to commemorate the Star
Spangled Banner and the Battle of Ft. McHenry in 1814.
Overall, the flag is a small, attractive example of an
antique American flag made to commemorate an earlier
era. |
