Hand-stitched wool bunting flag with thirteen stars and thirteen stripes, made circa 1850–1870, measuring 51.5 x 30.25 overall with a 23.25 x 15.75 canton. The bunting is woven from machine spun threads and has a flat linen hoist measuring approximately 1.75″ across. The single-sided stars are arranged in a 3:2:3:2:3 pattern and are white linen with exposed stitching on the reverse. The flag has small holes through the bunting scattered regularly about the fabric and there is moderate fraying and tattering at the corners of the reinforced fly. The linen hoist has two stitched grommets at the corners. Overall, the colors have faded over time to attractive, mellow-toned hues, and there is a handwritten label in ink on the hoist: “1 1/2 AAH/500 J.t. Welch.” This is an attractive mid 19th century flag and is in good plus condition.
