This Fine Relic Has Been Sold. Thank you! 13 STAR BETSY ROSS - YACHT FLAG Ca 1910 SIZE: 29“ x 49“                                                                  Weight 5 1/2 oz Presented is a 29” x 49”, cotton bunting, machine sewn, US, 13 star flag with zig-zag stars, handed down from the estate of Colonel William T. Carpenter to two prior holders. Carpenter was an engineer who served with distinction in the US Coast Artillery. His duties took him all over the globe to construct and inspect coastal artillery installations in many of the far flung possessions of the US after the Spanish-American War. He became well known as a collector since he amassed an eclectic flag collection as mementos of his adventures. Two stand out examples, are the Royal Hawaiian flag which is in a private collection there and the 45 Star Ensign flown by the USS Boston in the Battle of Manila Bay which is in a New York collection. The star field is arranged in the commemorative “Betsy Ross" pattern, a design that was popularized during the US Centennial Celebrations in 1876, and sometimes, if unofficially, it is used in lieu of the US Yacht Ensign, as a private ensign on yachts and pleasure boats.                                      13 Star Elliptical Canton The exact use of this ensign is unknown, but its well worn condition shows the strenuous use to which it it was put before becoming part of his collection. The upper and lower stripe, and tail are tattered and there is some holing. There are no markings. Mounted and framed, it would make a handsome display – telling the story of a serving officer in the expanding US military as we became a world power in the early 20th Century. It also combines the heritage of the Betsy Ross design with that of our seagoing heritage. CONDITION:  The upper and lower stripe, and tail are tattered and there is some holing with the largest being in the canton. There are no markings. The star pattern has a decided slant to it forming an ellipse which is the result of wind induced stretching as evidenced by the bagginess in the canton.  PROVENANCE: This flag comes from a group of about twenty flags by direct decent of Carpenter through the family to the first holder. Approximately, twenty years ago the first holder died, and his estate hired a consultant to value the flags and to find a buyer. All the flags at that time were piled in one box. The consultant then arranged a sale from the first holder to a person in Virginia. Over a period time the last owner sold the best of these flags, which found their way to market, at prices up to $15,000.00 by private treaty. Two noteworthy sales were the 45 Star Ensign flown by the USS Boston at the Battle of Manila Bay, and a Royal Hawaiian flag. The remaining flags were more recently sold at auction. The consultant of the Carpenter Estate remembers this 13 star flag as a member of the group, but there is no documentation supporting that. BRIEF HISTORY OF BOTH DESIGNS: The US Yacht Ensign was created in 1848 as a private signal for yachts; however it has become the custom for it to be worn by private “yachts” and pleasure craft. It was never intended fro use by vessels in commission. However, there, have been some documented exceptions – during the American Civil War – of its use as a small boat flag. The flag has no standing internationally, it being intended for domestic use only. However, in 1939 the Secretary of the Navy directed that it will be saluted by US Naval Personnel as appropriate to the National Ensign, if flown in its stead; so for the purpose of US protocol it ranks as a national flag, but subservient to the national flag in any historical display. Since the 1980’s the flag no longer has any legal standing and is flown by custom only. MOUNTING: It is worthy of being framed under glass using archival procedures which is best done at its new location to fit the preferences of the new owner.  CONSTRUCTION: There are no marking on the flag or grommets. It is entirely machine sewn, and constructed of cotton bunting, with double appliqué' stars. There is a canvas heading on the hoist. Many collectors prefer flags to show their age and history of use rather than being off the shelf examples. OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned within five days of receipt in its original packaging if without damage. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization from us for the return is required. Shipping charges are  included in this offer if an error is due to our fault. International buyers welcome, but should inquire first.  We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, Nigeria, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, St. Maarten, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean. ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. No checks from overseas buyers, no credit cards or PayPal accepted on this item.  Copyright 2011 by Land And Sea Collection™. All Rights Reserved.