Rebel Cotton Flag with Appliqued Stars, The appliqued cotton American flag from the 18th or 19th century features a unique star pattern, a traditional blue canton, and hand-stitched red stripes. The embroidered designs on this antique American flag add depth and detail that captivates the eye while honoring historical accuracy. In addition to its authenticity, this flag is easy to display, making it a respectful option for historical re-enactments, indoor displays, educational purposes in museums, and ceremonial uses such as honor guards and memorials.

During the period between the First Flag Act of 1777 and the 18th or 19th century, American flags were generally stitched by hand. The sewing process was difficult, laborious, and slow, but Americans were granted a great deal of freedom in the design of Stars-and-Stripes flags. As a result, many antique American flags from this time feature interesting star configurations and other decorative elements.

Vintage Vibes: Rebel Cotton Flag with Appliqued Stars

This particular antique American flag features 35 reverse-appliqued stars on both sides of the blue canton, which was cut through a piece of calico dress material. The overlapping stars are stitched together using both a running and a whipstitch. The appliqué method is more common on larger flags, but it was also used in smaller sizes such as this one.

The number of stars on this American flag may represent Missouri’s position as the twelfth state in the Confederacy. Alternatively, the twelve stars may be a nod to the original thirteen colonies. In any event, this unique flag is an interesting study in the subtle symbolism and folk art that Americans were allowed to express on their patriotic symbols.