Thirteen Star US "Quincunx Pattern" Yacht Flag

This is a 13 star U.S. Flag known as a “Private Boat Ensign,” first used by the United States Navy, the practice of flying these 13 star flags at the aft section of Private Yachts became quite popular in the late 19th Century and into the early 20th Century. Throughout the 19th Century, the Navy enjoyed the privilege of placing only 13-stars rather than the full complement of the day, which was constantly changing due to Westward expansion. The Navy continued to use this Privilege until President Woodrow Wilson discontinued it in 1916.

This particular flag features a “quincunx star pattern” – named for the geometric configuration of the starts in a 3-2-3-2-3 pattern on the canton. Circa 1890.