13-Star American Parade Flag, 1876 ca.Centennial Celebration Medallion Star Pattern

 

13-Star American Parade Flag, 1876 ca.
Centennial Celebration
Medallion Star Pattern

Flag size (4 1/2" x 7 1/2")
Frame size (12 1/2" x 15 1/4")

Antique Thirteen-star American flag-waver, dates to circa 1876. The flag is constructed of coarse cotton and features a canton bearing 13 printed stars and alternating red and white stripes, symbolizing the original thirteen colonies. The stars are arranged in a distinctive medallion pattern, consisting of one larger central star surrounded by eight smaller stars with an additional star positioned in each corner of the canton.
During the 1876 Centennial celebrations, communities across the nation filled streets with parades and patriotic events centered around the Centennial International Exposition in Philadelphia, which proudly served as the first official World's Fair in the United States. The American flags flown during these historic festivities captured a unique transitional moment in the country's geography and design tradition. The official United States flag at the start of the Centennial year featured 37 stars. However, forward-thinking flag manufacturers frequently produced 38-star designs ahead of time in anticipation of Colorado's upcoming statehood. This addition became official on August 1, 1876, when President Ulysses S. Grant signed the proclamation admitting the centennial state to the Union. Alongside the nations present-day star count, historic 13-star flags emerged as a popular choice for parades and national celebrations to visually unite the modern country to its revolutionary roots. This classic star arrangement directly honored the original design established by the Continental Congress a century prior. By featuring thirteen white stars clustered on a blue field alongside thirteen alternating red and white stripes, the design beautifully symbolized what the founders originally termed "a new Constellation" on the world stage.
Condition Assessment
Flag is constructed of coarse plain-weave cotton: structural deterioration along the vertical staff line and slight fraying along the cut edges, and a few small pinholes along the finished edge of the fly.  Areas of staining throughout, generalized surface soiling consistent with age and use, 1st white stripe contains the letters “NO MI (?)”. The colors are vivid with a softened patina hue.
Framing: the flag is pressure mounted on a mat board covered with a black dyed pre-washed 100% cotton fabric over acid-free cotton batting, showcased in a vintage, natural oak frame with gold/black foil trim, protected with UV quality glass.

Email: jtfrancis1775@gmail.com

Item: 13-1786-26