Below are some articles I've put together on collecting in general, as well as on the specific themes highlighted in the flag showcase. They contain photos of other flags from the collection that highlight some of the topics. 

I intend to add new material, that you may find interesting or informative, over time.  I hope that you check back regularly. Also, for seasoned collectors and experts who visit, please feel free to recommend corrections, additional topics, or expanded information to enrich these pages.

American National Flag, 13 Stars
Civil War Era, Entirely Hand Sewn

Click Here for a Gallery of
Rare 13 Star American Flags

This fantastic flag, dating from 1912, is the only known surviving Women's Suffrage flag in the Stars and Stripes pattern.  Read more about its unique and unusual history.

Despite dating from the same era, and being of the same form of our cherished Stars and Stripes, these two American flags could not be more symbolically different in the ideas they embody.

These grand flags, made prior to the American Civil War, are exceedingly rare and beautiful examples of our flag in some of the earliest and rarest star counts.
 

Identifying flags used by the United States Military can sometimes be challenging, but there are attributes that many of them have in common that are good indicators of an American Battle Flag.

13 Star Flags have been produced throughout our history.  In this single star count, the number of variations of star patterns is astonishing.

Over time as new states entered the Union, Americans added stars to their flags to keep them updated.

Common materials used in flag construction include wool bunting, cotton, linen and silk.  This guide helps with identifying various fabrics and clues to estimating their age.

The practice of clipping small pieces of flags to keep as a souvenir was once common.  See examples and understand more about this interesting past practice.

Flags of the past were often cared for by generations of Americans.  Unlike today, where worn or tattered flags are usually just replaced, early flags were continually repaired, adding great character to those that have survived.

The flags of the Civil War are fascinating because of their great variety of construction and design.  Also in this section, find links to many of the State collections that are documented online.

Some star counts are common, others are exceptionally rare.  Find out about which are the rarest and why.

Printed parade flags have been produced since the 1830s.  Unlike their pieced-and-sewn brethren, printed flags designed for waving at parades and hanging at patriotic gatherings have a character all their own.

The methods for applying stars to a flag are varied and interesting.  Different techniques change the character of the flag, and add yet another element to the great variability in American flags.

The "Great Star", or "Grand Luminary", is one of the rarest and most visually exciting patterns present on the American flag.  See various examples and learn about the history of this pattern.

Another of the great patterns of stars on American flags is the Medallion pattern.  See various examples and learn the history of this pattern.

Whether hand written or printed, writing on American flags is a historical curiosity that provides intriguing and precise context to a flag's history.

The patterns of stars found on American flags are virtually limitless, but there are certain classification categories that are often used to generally characterize the star pattern of a flag.

These flags produced in Europe to celebrate liberation during World War II are a fascinating subset of historic American flags.

Son In Service banners, prevalent during World War I and World War II, are a poignant and enduring symbols of service to the nation and those who sacrifice their life defending America.

The Executive Flags of the United States are official flags designated to represent particular offices in the executive branch, most notably, the President of the United States.

Great flags are not always found in great shape.  That shouldn't dissuade collectors from acquiring them and working to preserve them.  Restoration is an important part of collecting.

Flag collectors talk about the parts of flags using certain terminology.  This guide will help you understand the meaning and proper usage of common terms used to describe flags and their attributes.

These large stars represent the newest state to enter the Union and add great character and boldness to flags of all eras.

When the canton of a flag rests upon a red stripe, it's said to fall on the "blood stripe". Flag folklore holds that this trait symbolizes our nation at war.

These rare and beautifully graphic cards, popular in the late 19th century, are interesting examples of how American business owners around the country use the American flag to advertise their goods and services.

Engravings of George Washington are prolific in our national culture and those that date to his lifetime in the last quarter of the 18th century are especially sought after by collectors of early patriotic Americana.