Beschreibung:

Wool, 66 in. x 128 in., with 44 uniquely hand-sewn, double-applique cotton stars configured in rare "Shield" pattern, comprised of 5-6-7-8-7-6-5 horizontal rows on canton. The fly is constructed of 13 machine-sewn, wool stripes. The hoist is cotton with five cotton ties stitched along the edge, and is inscribed: “4-YD SWANTON JAMESON + CO. Bath ME" and “A. Stafford.” Machine sewing completes the flag with only a few locations where repairs have been made displaying hand and machine stitching combined. Ca 1891-1896. Before the Hyde Block was built in Bath, ME in 1871, the site at Broad and Front Streets was occupied by a 2 and a half story wooden building housing the Zina Hyde Chandlery. The purpose of the Chandlery was to sell equipment for ships, such as rope, windlasses, anchors, and canvas. The Zina Hyde Chandlery changed into Hyde and Swanton Company, which later became Swanton & Jameson, all at the same address. Swanton & Jameson Company was founded by John Bosworth Swanton and John Campbell Jameson, both of whom worked for Zina Hyde. In 1910, Swanson & Jameson left the building and Bath Savings moved in. A rare Naval / Maritime 44-star "Shield" pattern flag once belonging to a maritime supply store selling ship products from Bath, ME in the late 1800s, possibly one of four known to exist. This particular “Shield” pattern is a unique design, and may not be presented on any American flag to-date. Condition: Few minor holes. Otherwise very fine condition.