Centennial Celebration "1776-1876" American Flag Banner

Presented is a rare Centennial patriotic flag banner, dating to 1876. The flag’s brilliant blue canton is spectacular, with 81 five-pointed, rayed stars, arranged to read “1776” and “1876.” The flag’s design is completed with thirteen alternating red and white stripes. The flag is a three-piece, treadle-sewn sewn construction, printed on a thin wool and cotton blend. Along the edge, there is a narrow, treadle-sewn sleeve made of cotton tape. 

In the lead up to the nation’s Centennial in 1876, flag makers and individuals looked to the past for designs to produce as part of the country’s many celebrations. Popular interpretation of the stars and stripes undoubtedly reached its climax of variety and originality at the time of our Nation’s first Centennial. Since no design restrictions were placed on flagmaker’s imaginations and no strict distinctions were drawn between official and unofficial star counts, it is no surprise that, on the occasion of the Centennial, creativity in flag design was not the exception, but the rule. 

The cantons from this period presented an array of geometric abstractions. Great star patterns, referred to as the “starry flower of Liberty” by Oliver Wendell Holmes, that were popular from 1818 and on, resurfaced in Centennial flags.  The lively assemblage of many white stars into one great stellar design is perhaps the most beautiful visualization of the goal set forth by the original Flag Resolution of 1777, “...13 stars white in a blue field representing a new constellation.” Stars arranged in medallions or starburst patterns were popular among flag makers and consumers, yet this “1776/1876” remains to be one of the more spectacular and celebratory designs to come from the Centennial celebrations, as flags with stars that spell out numeric or alphabetical characters are among the rarest of all designs. 

Some of the flags made for the Centennial were designed to be used and displayed during town events and celebrations, and then easily discarded afterwards. This has made it increasingly difficult to find original examples in good condition. Luckily, some examples have been saved, passed down through family generations, and now serve as glorious reminders of our perseverance through the both tragic and triumphant first 100 years as a nation. 

CONDITION:

Good, overall condition. Thin cotton and wool blend fabric, printed and dyed, with three-piece treadle-sewn construction and a narrow, treadle-sewn sleeve made of cotton tape. Flag has minor wear and fading to the red and blue, toning to white, with scattered light stains from past use. Small holes and tears throughout. 

Flag has been stabilized and mounted in an archival, custom-built black wooden frame with UV Plexiglas.

Framed Dimensions: 31 3/4" H x 58 1/2" W x 2 1/2" D.

Accompanied by our company’s letter of authenticity.