13 Star American Nation Boat Flag

13 Star American Naval Ensign Flag
Circa 1890-1895 Inscribed on the hoist: "Greer."

The flag was manufactured by a U.S. Navy yard, stenciled cleanly with its official specifications, and then hand-assigned or marked for custody under Rear Admiral James A. Greer's command before his retirement in 1895.
 

An exceptional and beautifully preserved turn-of-the-century 13-star American commercial maritime flag, dating precisely to the 1890–1895. Measuring 2.5 feet by 4 feet, this flag represents the pinnacle of late-19th-century industrial textile craftsmanship.

The flag features a highly desirable 3-2-3-2-3 offset grid star configuration on a dark navy blue field. The stars are constructed via double-appliqué (applied to both sides of the field) using the pioneering mechanical zigzag lock-stitch method popularized in the mid-1890s. The entire body is meticulously constructed from pieced, hand woven wool bunting joined by tight, factory-standard flat-felled seams.

A defining mark of pedigree is located on the heavy canvas hoist/header, which bears the rare, crisp, hand-stenciled factory inscription: "2½ x 4 Feet WOOL". "WOOL": Indicates the flag is constructed of premium woven wool bunting, which was standard for all military sea-faring contracts of the era due to its durability against salt water and high winds.In the official U.S. Navy flag sizing charts established in the late 19th century, a flag of these exact dimensions was officially classified as a No. 10 Boat Flag (or Boat Ensign). It was designed specifically for small boats, including the captain's or admiral's personal launch/gig boat.

The canvas header is fully open at the top and bottom, creating a hollow tube or sleeve. The design shows that a thick internal rope (halyard) was originally threaded all the way through the canvas sleeve to take the brunt of oceanic winds.
The inclusion of the brass grommet directly next to this rope sleeve is a perfect historical feature:

Thirteen star flags remain official national flags of the United States. It has continued throughout time to be one of the most desirable star counts for the beginner flag collector to the seasoned aficionado, from the US Navy to private vessels alike and framed flags such as this adorn homes and offices around the country. This is a true historic relic that compliments contemporary settings as well as the traditional.

Flag Size:    (HXL) 30” x 48”                   (No Frame)

Email: jtfrancis1775@gmail.com

Item: 13-812-133