13-Star Bennington "76" Parade Flag, Early 20th Century

Presented here is a striking 20th century 13-star Bennington “76” style parade flag, modeled after the historic example preserved at the Bennington Museum in Vermont. This commemorative flag displays the classic elements associated with the celebrated Bennington design: a deep blue canton with the large white numerals “76,” symbolizing the birth of the nation, surmounted by an arc of thirteen seven-pointed stars representing the thirteen original colonies, turned states. The field is composed of thirteen alternating stripes in the rare Revolutionary-era heraldic order, beginning with white and alternating with red, rather than the red-first pattern adopted in later American flags. This example was produced in the early to mid 20th century, most likely for patriotic display in parades or commemorative observances, such as the nationwide celebrations for the 1932 Bicentennial of George Washington’s birth.

While inspired by the famous flag long associated with the Battle of Bennington, scholarship has shown that the original Bennington flag itself postdates the Revolution. As described by the Bennington Museum:  "Acknowledged as the oldest Stars and Stripes, this unusually large flag was said to have flown over General Stark's encampment during the Battle of Bennington. Long thought to have been flown at the Battle of Bennington, this flag was in fact created after 1800. A solid family history in the Fillmore family, related to 13th President of the United States Millard Fillmore, dates the flag to the era of the War of 1812. Fiber analysis performed in 1995 concluded that the flag was constructed of machine-spun cotton, a process that was not possible until 1800 and realistically until 1810. The "76" on this flag was most likely used to commemorate the victory of the American Revolution during the hard years of the War of 1812.” (The Bennington Museum.)

Drawing on the iconic forms of the earliest Stars and Stripes, this vintage Bennington “76” parade flag reflects the way Americans have long looked to historic flag imagery to celebrate major milestones in the nation’s history.

CONDITION:

Near fine. Printed flag, most likely clamp-died, with machine-sewn hems. Dark blue canton, red stripes, very vibrant.  Light toning, moderate staining to white stripes and corners. Flag measures 10 1/2" H x 15 1/2"W. 

Artfully and archivally mounted on acid-free black linen mat with a custom wooden frame with gold spandrel and UV glass. 

Framed Dimensions: 19 1/4"H x 23 1/4"W x 1 5/8"D. 

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.