EARLY 19TH CENTURY SILK LITHOGRAPH 26 STAR DECATUR FAMILY FLAG.

EARLY 19TH CENTURY SILK LITHOGRAPH 26 STAR DECATUR FAMILY FLAG. There are letters and notes from the family indicating that this silk flag was owned by Commander Stephen Decatur and used by him in 1815 when he took command of the squadron bound for the Mediterranean. Family records also indicate that the flag along with numerous other Decatur objects were leant to the Naval Historical Foundation 1950 for a special exhibit and also to be included in a book. However, the 26 stars on the flag designates or commemorates the state of Michigan which came into the Union on July 4, 1837. In addition, the lithography process utilized in making flags did not begin to be used until some time in the 1820s. The likelihood is that this flag was used by Stephen Decatur but it was Lt. Stephen Decatur son of John Pine Decatur and namesake of his famous uncle. Lt. Stephen Pine Decatur who was appointed Lieutenant on March 2, 1841 and was assigned to the Sloop Warren. It is believed that he saw service in the Mexican war and the dates of this flag would be appropriate for his use and it may be this Stephen Decatur that earlier family members meant to designate. It is indeed a wonderful historical flag having descended from one of this country’s most illustrious nautical families. This design having the stars arranged with the large star in the center is referred to the “great star pattern” or “grand illuminary”. The canton is wonderful and is prized for its interesting display. Flags of this style and period from the Mexican War era are rare and seldom found. This is hand-stitched on both top and bottom edge. SIZE: Approx. 29-1/2” on the fly. 19-1/2” on the hoist. CONDITION: The silk is delicate as are all early silk flags from this period. There are some losses in the stripes, losses along the hoist and within the stars. Colors are basically strong. It is nicely presented in a framed mount and a wonderful piece of history. 9-97902 (2,500-5,000)

Auction: Fine Art, Antiques & Asian - Winter 2010

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2088	$6,900.00	EARLY 19TH CENTURY SILK LITHOGRAPH 26 STAR DECATUR FAMILY FLAG. There are letters and notes from the family indicating that this silk flag was owned by Commander Stephen Decatur and used by him in 1815 when he took command of the squadron bound for the Mediterranean. Family records also indicate that the flag along with numerous other Decatur objects were leant to the Naval Historical Foundation 1950 for a special exhibit and also to be included in a book. However, the 26 stars on the flag designates or commemorates the state of Michigan which came into the Union on July 4, 1837. In addition, the lithography process utilized in making flags did not begin to be used until some time in the 1820s. The likelihood is that this flag was used by Stephen Decatur but it was Lt. Stephen Decatur son of John Pine Decatur and namesake of his famous uncle. Lt. Stephen Pine Decatur who was appointed Lieutenant on March 2, 1841 and was assigned to the Sloop Warren. It is believed that he saw service in the Mexican war and the dates of this flag would be appropriate for his use and it may be this Stephen Decatur that earlier family members meant to designate. It is indeed a wonderful historical flag having descended from one of this country’s most illustrious nautical families. This design having the stars arranged with the large star in the center is referred to the “great star pattern” or “grand illuminary”. The canton is wonderful and is prized for its interesting display. Flags of this style and period from the Mexican War era are rare and seldom found. This is hand-stitched on both top and bottom edge. SIZE: Approx. 29-1/2” on the fly. 19-1/2” on the hoist. CONDITION: The silk is delicate as are all early silk flags from this period. There are some losses in the stripes, losses along the hoist and within the stars. Colors are basically strong. It is nicely presented in a framed mount and a wonderful piece of history. 9-97902 (2,500-5,000) Auction: Fine Art, Antiques & Asian - Winter 2010 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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