TWO 13-STAR US NAVY BOAT FLAGS. [USA: first half of 20th century.]

TWO 13-STAR US NAVY BOAT FLAGS. [USA: first half of 20th century.] A large 13 star 'boat' flag for naval use on launches and tenders. Light wool, the stars in linen stitched onto the canton in a 3-2-3-2-3 pattern, 13 stripes. 1000 x 1820mm. The hoist with brass grommets, stenciled '6 x 3' (feet). Lightly discolored through age, some light wear; Together with: A similar 13-star woolen boat flag, 3-2-3-2-3 star pattern, 13 stripes, brass grommets, hand stitched linen stars, hoist marked 7 x 3 1/2 (feet). 1020 x 2011mm. The 13-star flag dates from the Revolutionary period, and came into common naval usage on small naval boats from the Civil War onwards. In 1912 President Taft recognized the naval use of this flag through Executive Order 1637, but the next President, Woodrow Wilson, rescinded that order in 1916. But that didn't stop the US Navy, who continued using the 13-star Boat flag up to the 1950s. Around 1900, the US Navy expanded with the addition of a submarine fleet, and the Submarine Fleet adopted the 13-star flag as its official ensign. These two examples are likely of World War II vintage, possibly for submarine use, neither have seen much action, and the wear is from storage in a flag locker. Lot to be sold without reserve. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ¤ ¤ Without reserve For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing