13 Star Betsy Ross Souvenir 1910-1915

 

 

 

GRAND UNION NATIONAL PARADE FLAG, Early 1900 CIR
Continental Union Flag

Flag size: (HXL) 11 ¼”x16 ½”
Frame: (HXL)

The Grand Union Flag symbolizes a significant place in American history as the nation's earliest (unofficial) national flag. The flag’s design was in use at the start of the Revolutionary War, between 1775 and 1777, when America was still a colony of Britain. It is said to have been used on December 3, 1775, by the Continental Navy when it was hoisted at the commissioning of Admiral Esek Hopkins flagship in Philadelphia. It is widely believed to have been used by George Washington’s Army on New Year’s Day, 1776 at Prospect Hill in Charlestown Massachusetts, near Washington’s headquarters in Cambridge, during which time, they were surrounding and laying siege to the British forces then occupying the city.

The design of the Grand Union flag combined the canton of the British Union flag, (also known as the Union Jack) denoting the kingdoms of England and Scotland, and added a distinctly different field consisting of 13 alternating horizontal red and white stripes designating the 13 United Colonies stance against British dominion. The flags pattern could be easily produced by sewing white stripes onto the British red ensigns, and although it is uncertain who first designed the flag some credit Margaret Manny with its design.

Condition of the parade flag is very good, colors are bold with aging due to its period and use, 3-4 size pin holes on a few of the stripes and along the hoist where it was attached to the staff, slight discoloration vertically on the left side.

Email: jtfrancis.com@gmail.com

Item: 76-90-Union