RARE PRE-MEXICAN WAR PERIOD “GREAT STAR” PATTERN AMERICAN FLAG.

RARE PRE-MEXICAN WAR PERIOD “GREAT STAR” PATTERN AMERICAN FLAG. Dating to the Pre-Mexican War period, this rare flag displays its 26 stars in the “Great Star” pattern inside the canton. This flag was authorized with the accession of Michigan into the Union and was in use from July 4, 1837 to July 3, 1845. It is fashioned of a light cotton bunting in red, white and blue with a combination of both machine and hand stitching. The 26 stars inside the canton are arranged to form a large 5-pointed star with one large central star measuring approx. 5” in diameter surrounded by 25 smaller stars measuring approx. 3” in diameter. The hoist is sleeved with a small diameter rope inserted. Of historical interest during this flag’s period of use is the Patriot War which was a short-lived campaign in the eastern Michigan and Windsor, Ontario. A group of men on both sides of the border, calling themselves “Patriots” formed small militias in 1837 with the intention of seizing the Southern Ontario peninsula between the Detroit and Niagara rivers. They based groups in Michigan at Fort Gratiot, Mount Clemens, Detroit, and Gibraltar. In the winter of 1837 they attempted to seize the arsenal at Fort Gratiot but were stopped by state militia. In December, the Patriots crossed the Detroit River into Canada by steamboat and engaged in an unsuccessful battle at Windsor. In 1838, Michigan militias were stationed at the United States Arsenal in Dearborn, and were used to track down remaining groups of Patriots in the area. This conflict led to the reorganization of the Michigan militia because its structure was found to be insufficient to deal with such rebellions. An interesting historical connection to an American flag that was authorized to commemorate the accession of Michigan into the Union. CONDITON: Fair. Flag has seen a lot of use. Pieces of the top red stripe are tattered and separated, while the blue canton retains its deep color. Stars are dirty. Red color in the alternating stripes has faded to a light color. Overall, flag needs some attention but it is very displayable and, while showing its age, very attractive in the rare star pattern. 4-30312 (3,000-6,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2007

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
	441	$2,875.00	RARE PRE-MEXICAN WAR PERIOD “GREAT STAR” PATTERN AMERICAN FLAG. Dating to the Pre-Mexican War period, this rare flag displays its 26 stars in the “Great Star” pattern inside the canton. This flag was authorized with the accession of Michigan into the Union and was in use from July 4, 1837 to July 3, 1845. It is fashioned of a light cotton bunting in red, white and blue with a combination of both machine and hand stitching. The 26 stars inside the canton are arranged to form a large 5-pointed star with one large central star measuring approx. 5” in diameter surrounded by 25 smaller stars measuring approx. 3” in diameter. The hoist is sleeved with a small diameter rope inserted. Of historical interest during this flag’s period of use is the Patriot War which was a short-lived campaign in the eastern Michigan and Windsor, Ontario. A group of men on both sides of the border, calling themselves “Patriots” formed small militias in 1837 with the intention of seizing the Southern Ontario peninsula between the Detroit and Niagara rivers. They based groups in Michigan at Fort Gratiot, Mount Clemens, Detroit, and Gibraltar. In the winter of 1837 they attempted to seize the arsenal at Fort Gratiot but were stopped by state militia. In December, the Patriots crossed the Detroit River into Canada by steamboat and engaged in an unsuccessful battle at Windsor. In 1838, Michigan militias were stationed at the United States Arsenal in Dearborn, and were used to track down remaining groups of Patriots in the area. This conflict led to the reorganization of the Michigan militia because its structure was found to be insufficient to deal with such rebellions. An interesting historical connection to an American flag that was authorized to commemorate the accession of Michigan into the Union. CONDITON: Fair. Flag has seen a lot of use. Pieces of the top red stripe are tattered and separated, while the blue canton retains its deep color. Stars are dirty. Red color in the alternating stripes has faded to a light color. Overall, flag needs some attention but it is very displayable and, while showing its age, very attractive in the rare star pattern. 4-30312 (3,000-6,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2007 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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