|
Among flags made in the
19th century, the most expensive and finest quality
manufactured flags were those made of silk with gilt
stars for military use. These battle flags are
both beautiful and rare. While the vast majority of
American flags have white fabric stars, the reflective
golden color of the gilt and the shimmer and sheen of
the silk fabric is intended to elevate the form and
inspire those serving under the flag, whether it be on
the parade grounds during times of peace, or in battle
during times of war. This beautiful 44 star battle flag
is rather small, at just 33" x 44", and was likely used
by a lower echelon unit such as a Company or Battalion,
rather than a Regiment. The presence of silk ties
along the hoist, as well as the gilt and silk
construction, are all hallmarks of a military flag. Some
of the gilt from the stars has transferred to the
stripes while the flag was stored folded over the past
century. The silk of the flag is characteristically
brittle, a trait seen on many mid-to-late 19th century
silk flags. Silk was sold by weight, and merchants
weighted silk by soaking the silk in mineral salts which
were not visible, but made the silk heavier. Over
time, the salts deteriorated the fabric and cause the
silk to break down and become brittle. Given the fact
that this flag is more than 120 years old, it has
survived in exceptional condition and is a fine example
of a late 19th century American battle flag. Flags
with 44 stars are seen with somewhat less frequency than
later 45 and 46 star flags, and this flag is among the
finest examples I have seen in this star count. |
