13-Star Canton, from a Cowpen's-Stye American Flag, 19th Century

Presented is a stunning and large 13-star canton, from a Cowpens style American flag, dating to the 19th century. The canton has 13 machine-sewn white stars on a dark blue field. The stars are configured in the “Third Maryland” or “Cowpens” pattern, consisting of a 12-star wreath surrounding a large central star. 

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 Smithsonian 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. The pattern is celebrated as a beautiful alternative to the more common “4-5-4” or “3-2-3-2-3” row patterns.

In 1876, with the country celebrating its Centennial, flag makers looked to the past for designs to produce as part of the country’s celebration. It is during this time that we see a resurgence of the Cowpens design. This specific canton was possibly created sometime during this Centennial period, for patriotic reasons or in conjunction with a political or veteran rally.

CONDITION:

Good condition overall. Thirteen white stars, machine-sewn with white thread to blue field. Hemmed edges. Fading to blue field, more prominent at center. Scattered stains. A few loose threads in stitching of stars. Fold lines, from past storage. Unframed Dimensions: 32" H x 34" W.

Archivally mounted and framed in a custom-built wooden frame on dark archival linen and UV plexiglas. 

Framed Dimensions: 40 1/4" H x 42 1/4" W x 1 1/2" D.

Accompanied by our company’s letter of authenticity.