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This beautiful 13 Star Flag is features an unusual pattern of stars, with the 13th star having been added haphazardly to the left of the center row, as if the maker originally forgot to include it in the flag's original design.  Unique attributes such as this are precisely what make certain rare antique flags memorable, each with their own charm and character.  The wool bunting of the canton and red stripes has retained its vivid color and the flag itself is remarkably intact.  The hoist of the flag is made of linen, rather than cotton, and the stripes are sewn with a waxed linen thread which was used to protect against rot when repeatedly exposed to moisture.  Both of these traits are seen on flags made for maritime use in the early part of the 19th century.  The construction and materials of the flag are very similar to several others in the Rare Flags collection that date to the 1820 to 1840 period, which leads me to believe this is the era when this flag was made and used. The flag is entirely hand sewn, and the single-appliqué  stars are actually affixed with the finished side to the reverse of the flag.  The workmanship of the seamstress is excellent, and the cotton stars peek through to the obverse and show the great handiwork and precision of the appliqué work.  Its fine elongated proportions add to its attractiveness. In general terms, the flag is in a 4-5-4 pattern, but the positioning of the outlier star and the obvious alignment of the right twelve stars in the flag makes this a unique specimen and a rarity to behold.  The personal history of the flag is as follows:

"The flag originally belonged to a man by the name of Chester Reed.  Mr. Reed at one time resided at 8 Stoney Brae Road, Newton Highlands, Boston MA.  He was the 6th descendant of the Mayflower.  When Mr. Reed's health began to decline, a longtime neighbor with the last name of Good, took care of Mr. Reed until his death.  Mr. Reed had given the flag to the Good family in return for their kindness. The Good family held onto this flag until Mr. Good passed away in 1994.  Mr. Good's son, Matthew Good had then been passed down the flag.  Matthew Good lives in Florida, which is where the flag ended up prior to being sold at auction.  The last owner of the flag was Matthew Good."  - May, 2011. 


 

Learn more about the patterns of 13 Star Flags. Star Count:  13

Dates:  circa 1820-1840

War Era:  None

Statehood:  Original 13 Colonies

Construction:  Cotton Stars on Wool Bunting

Catalog Number:  IAS-00241

   
   

Next:
A Magnificent 45 Star Silk
Regimental Battle Flag
Spanish American War Period


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