RARE Antique 1876 - BIG 14 ft - 38 Star - American Centennial Flag

Description: From a recent auction in Benton, Maine, this is an authentic and rare, large, linen flag from America's Centennial year, with 38 stars in an 8-7-8-7-8 pattern with the stars pointing upward. The body of the flag is made of flax linen in three colors -- natural flax, blue and red. Flax linen was chosen because it has excellent strength, even when wet. And at the time, flax linen was inexpensive, being the most common home-spun fabric. Electric sewing machines weren't introduced until 1889, so this was stitched on a treadle sewing machine. The stitching is strong and intact. There are two, square patches sewn top and bottom, near the left edge. These are not mending, but reinforcement, sewn right into the header, and they are part of the original flag. The "fly" edge was hemmed and bound with white cotton to keep it from fraying. In the blue canton, two sets of cotton stars are applied, one to each side. Stars in a strict geometric order with all of the top points up (as in this flag) was the RAREST form of design prior to about 1900. The stars are made of cotton, preferred for its brighter coloration and tighter weave. The heavier cotton twill weave header has 2 brass grommets, the kind commonly used after the Civil War. There are also two slashes that look something like button holes -- one vertical and one horizontal, spaced apart in the header, between the grommets. approximate measurements: Width: 172" (14.3 ft.) Height: 112" (9.3 ft.) Weight: 4 lbs. CONDITION NOTES: As shown, there are rips and holes throughout. There's early, hand mending in two places-- to tears in the top edge of the canton, and a white patch is hand sewn to a red stripe at the top right. (shown) There are stains on the top row of stars. The linen's dyed colors are still strong and bright. A fairly recent notation "10x15" is handwritten with ballpoint pen on the header, near the bottom (barely visible, as shown in a photo). It appears that there was some kind of decorative trim sewn to the header, and only scant fragments and the original stitching remain of that. The 38 star flag became the Official United States Flag when a star was added for the admission of Colorado. This version of our flag lasted for 13 years until 5 more stars were added in 1890. The 1876 American Centennial was a time of exuberant celebration. The U.S. had come through the Civil War and was celebrating its 100th year of being a free and independent country. For the first time, the American flag was considered a symbol of justice and freedom and it was flown with heightened patriotism and pride. A Centennial flag is a very special piece of American history. Ships insured for purchase amount.

Price: 7500 USD

Location: Richmond, Virginia

End Time: 2024-10-04T13:15:43.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD