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July, 2017 The Antique Shoppe Page 3
Star Spangled Banner Early American flags, prior to 1900, were often made with political
candidates and slogans stitched onto the flag—they were basically
Continued from Page 1 advertisements. These flags bring premiums when they are
An interesting feature of the 15-star flag, if you should ever auctioned and collectors consider advertisement flags some of the
own one, is that it had 15 stripes too. Congress thought that rarest and "coolest" of all American flags. Since 1900, it is
with the addition of each new state, a new stripe should also considered a desecration of the flag to use it for advertising
be added, but that quickly proved ridiculous, so the flag or as a decoration.
returned to 13 stripes on July 4, 1818 and has remained a Prior to 1912, flags were made in any myriad size or
13-stripe flag every since. star arrangement that suited the manufacturer. However,
Besides looking for rare star numbers, collectors also seek in 1912, President Taft issued an Executive Order defining
flags sewn from rare materials. 18 century flags were made the flag’s proportions and arrangements of stars. While this
th
of wool, silk, or linen, which made them more valuable than Order added dignity to Old Glory, it also lost some of
the synthetic fibered flags of today. the charm of old, unusual flags.
Workmanship also determines value. For instance, a child’s Unusual starred flags are hard to come by and expensive.
homemade flag from the 19 century is considered folk art, Recently on eBay an 1861, 34-star American flag was offered. It
th
not true flag collecting; however, many collectors love to add folk eventually sold for about $300. This was a Kansas flag since Kansas
art flags to their collection. American flag parasol, circa 1876 – 1900, joined the Union in 1861. The 48-star flag bravely waved as America
Sewing machines were not readily sold at auction for $250. fought WWII—it was a 48-star flag that the Marines raised on Iwo Jima.
available until after the Industrial 48-star flags are common and are a good starting flag for a novice collector.
Revolution, around 1775, so collectors look for machine stitching in early flags. If a 13- Today, along with actual flags, many collectors collect books, umbrellas, figurines,
star flag has machine stitching, it was either made for the centennial or bicentennial, photographs, jewelry and other items that have American flags in or on them.
but it was certainly not made for the American Revolution. Collectors most often use these items as accessory items to a flag collection.
Collectors seek hand-stitched flags. Hand stitched seams and stars that are hand Flags are an emotional
stitched are most attractive and bring high dollars. item to collect. Not only does the
collector own a bit of history,
possibly related to politician or
battle, but collectors also
guarantee that the flag of the
Untied States will endure,
prompting people, generations
from now, to ask, “O say,
can you see, by the dawn’s early
light…?”

1861 Kansas 34-star flag.
Sold on eBay for about $300.00.

Authentic 38-star flag made of wool, which dates to 1877.

MADDY'S ANTIQUES Visit Historic Downtown
121 W. Oak St. ARCADIA
Specializing in:
Country, Primitives, Vintage Sports “Best Antiquing
Voted
863-494-2500 “Come Spend the Day With US” Town in Florida”
20 ANTIQUE SHOPS IN 3 BLOCKS By Florida Monthly
Open July 4th Magazine
11am ‘til 3pm
2

Thur. & Fri. 12-4, Sat. 10-4 or by appt. ORANGE AVE MONROE ST OAK STREET POLK AVE DESOTO AVE
Visit our online store 1
maddysantiques.net 1

Antique Association of Arcadia New Proprietors Dale & Sharon,

Visit www.ArcadiaFLAntiques.com for details Long-time dealers at The Galleria Mall,
Punta Gorda invite you to
MONTHLY 2 SATURDAY their newly opened shop. . .
nd
ANTIQUE FAIR BARGAIN DAYS YELLOW BRICK ROAD
(Every 4th Saturday 8am-3pm) Great Markdowns in Various Stores Antiques & Collectibles
Booth Space 863-993-5105 Summer Days Clearance Items
July 22 • Aug 26 • Sep 23 July 8 112 W. Oak Street
Arcadia, FL 34266
Association Members 863-993-3000
Alley Cat Antiques ............. 863-494-6049 Bizarre Bazaar ..............863-456-5608
Corey’s Antiques ................ 863-494-5959 Maddy’s Antiques ........863-494-2500 ALWAYS BUYING
Miss Pearl’s Place .............. 863-494-0232 Timeless Treasures .....941-993-9393 One Piece or Entire Estate 2
Yellow Brick Road .............. 863-993-3000 Manny’s Odds & Ends ..239-384-1705