13 Star Flag Francis Hopkinson Pattern

 

Antique 13 Star American Flag Circa 1875-1920

Flag size: (HxL) 12”x18 ½”
Frame:    (HxL) 18 ½” x 25 ¾”

Thirteen-Star American flag made of wool with 13 double appliqued cotton stars, arranged in lineal rows of 3-2-3-2-3 attached by zigzag stitching, stripes pieced together by lock stitching as is the hoist which is made of wool bunting.

The star arrangement positions 1 star in the center and 8 stars about it creating a diamond pattern and 1 star in each of the four corners of the field. This star placement is often referred to as the Francis Hopkinson pattern credited to a New Jersey Senator and signer of the Declaration of Independence, who played a significant part in designing the original American National Flag. Many of the original designs remain unaccounted for, however one of the better-known designs attributed to the Hopkinson design is similar to this flag apart from having 5 pointed stars instead of 6 as the Hopkinson design.

The flag is in good condition, slight mothing throughout, upper left canton has fabric loss, lower left red stripe fabric separation, hoist is wool bunting with areas of hand-sewn repairs.  The flag is pressure mounted; prewashed cotton fabric over acid-free cotton batting covering the backboard, surrounded by a beautiful antique tiger stripe painted frame and enclosed with museum quality glass.

Email: jtfrancis.com@gmail.com

Item: 25-6-5