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A 13 Star United States Small Boat Ensign. Made of wool bunting, hand sewn, with 13 double-appliqued stars, and hand sewn grommets on the header. Approximately 30 1/4 x 48 inches, in fair condition overall, with some holes, tears, and stretched grommets.
Experts on historical flags have differing opinions on the exact time the U.S. Navy started using 13-star flags for their "small boat ensigns." While some believe these flags were in continuous use, citing their appearance in period artwork, the practice wasn't officially documented in naval regulations until 1854. The 13-star design references the original number of stars on the first American national flag, established by the First Flag Act of 1777, representing the thirteen original colonies that became states. Importantly, according to U.S. flag acts, any previously official American flag remains legal to fly today, making the 13-star flag a permissible banner under congressional law. U.S. Navy small boat ensigns were displayed at the stern, from a gaff, or from the yard-arm of larger ships. They also served as the main flag on skiffs and other small vessels used for transporting sailors to and from shore.
