Description:
circa 1876 centennial American Shield, 13 star, flag. Based on the appearance of the back there may have been flags that were once mounted to the back and rose from the top. Believed to have been made to celebrate our Nations Centennial of Independence in 1876. The flag has a medallion pattern canton that consists of a center star, surrounded by a wreath of six stars, with three flanking stars in each corner. The shield measures an impressive 32" by 26".
It came from an old private New York collection.
Possible provenance:
1) Displayed at the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, an important World’s Fair that served as the official celebration of our nation’s 100-year anniversary of independence.
2) The shield may have been made in patriotism for an American Legion.
2) This model shield was eventually used by The Union Pacific train company as their logo..having been displayed at the station to help customers identify the line.
3) This may have been a parade flag holder used to celebrate America's Independence. on July 4th.
Centennial Thirteen Star Shield
Period: c. 1876
Composition: Wood panels, hand-painted.
Condition: The color the paint and wood have taken over the years is terrific.
