The First Flag Act of 1777 specified that the United States flag should have red, white, and blue colors, but did not specify their shades. As a result, early American flags often have unusual color combinations. This rare, nineteenth-century, twelve-star flag is an excellent example of this phenomenon.Resource: ultimateflags.com

Unlike modern flags, where stars are usually embroidered on a cloth background, early American flags were usually painted. As a result, early American flags have a very folky look, and they can be viewed as a type of folk art. This particular flag was repainted in the late nineteenth century, probably for historical reenactments or ceremonial purposes. The new paint is very dark, but it has faded somewhat since then, resulting in the overall appearance of this remarkable flag.

Southern Charm: Rebel Cotton Flag with Appliqued Stars

While the color of this early American flag has faded somewhat, most of the stitching is still intact and the cotton fabric is generally in very good condition. The only significant defect on this flag is that the top and bottom of the canton have both been masked or cut away.

This rare and remarkable Civil War period flag is a true gem of the American folk arts. The appliqued stars on this Civil War-era flag are arranged in the shape of an inverted triangle and are sewn to the cotton canton using a reverse-applique technique. This method involved cutting through the canton to form the shapes of the stars, and it is extremely rare for a flag to have stars appliquéd on both sides of the canton.

…