13-Star American Parade Flag, 1860

Description

Presented is a stunning 13-star American parade flag, dating to 1860. The wool flag has 13 hand-sewn cotton stars with … more Presented is a stunning 13-star American parade flag, dating to 1860. The wool flag has 13 hand-sewn cotton stars with truncated tips. The stars are configured in the “Third Maryland” or “Cowpens” pattern, consisting of a 12-star wreath surrounding a large central star. The flag design is completed with 13 red and white alternating stripes and a white cotton hoist. The flag’s hoist has “Lafayette Post 140” stenciled in selvage.
The “Third Maryland” star pattern of a 12-star wreath surrounding a central star is associated with an early 13-star flag that was long thought to have been carried by William Batchelor of the 3rd Maryland Regiment at the Battle of Cowpens during the American Revolution. The flag, now in the collection of the Maryland State Archives, was later discovered by Smithosian experts to date to the mid-19th century. But this particular star pattern is forever linked to that particular 13-star flag and the wreath and central star configuration is still referred to as a “Third Maryland” or “Cowpens” style among dealers and collectors. Thirteen star flags with the “Third Maryland” pattern are among the scarcest and most desired by collectors of early American flags. It is celebrated as a beautiful alternative to the more common “4-5-4” or “3-2-3-2-3” row patterns.
Stenciled along the hoist of this 13-star flag is the text “Lafayette Post 140,” indicating previous GAR ownership. Well-known for its charitable work and the social prominence of its members, the Marquis de Lafayette Post No. 140 of the Grand Army of the Republic was organized on December 18, 1880 in New York City with eighty-eight charter members. One of the chapter’s founding objectives was to erect a memorial hall to store war relics and host a library. To further support the spirit of patriotism, Post 140 presented a silk American flag to the City College of New York in June of 1888. Prior to this time, the act of flying flags over educational institutions, or the display of flags within public buildings, was almost unknown. The goodwill and publicity surrounding this patriotic gesture inspired twenty-six other GAR posts in New York to undertake a statewide program of presenting flags to public schools and institutions during the 1890s.
This flag has been exhibited at museums and is documented in the book The Stars and Stripes: Fabric of the American Spirit, Richard Pierce, 2005 (page 45).
CONDITION:
Very good condition. Wool flag with 13 hand-sewn cotton stars with truncated tips, configured in the "Third Maryland" pattern. Hoist is cotton, with "Lafayette Post No. 140" stenciled in selvage. Flag has toning, occasional spotting, few scattered holes and small areas of separation. Flag Dimensions: 16" H x 25" W.
Flag has been professionally stabilized and mounted vertically in a custom-built black and gold wooden frame with UV glass and a custom plaque. Framed Dimensions: 34 1/4" H x 25 1/8" W x 1" D.
Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity. less