Extremely rare circa 1822–1830 hand-sewn garrison/naval flag featuring 24 stars, measuring approximately 140? x 85?, made from a wool bunting material, the blue canton featuring inserted white cotton stars on both sides. The 24 stars are arranged in four uniform rows of six stars each. There are no metal grommets on the hoist, but rather an original braided rope cord sewn into the hoist with loops on either end; there are two holes in the hoist, which have been hand-sewn to create a reinforced ‘cloth grommet.’ The hoist also has a period, manuscript notation in ink, “4 yds,” indicating the flag’s length of four yards. In very good to fine condition, with some scattered fraying and various small holes.Flags with this star count are extremely rare, as the nation was at peace and flagmaking for home use was uncommon. Some flags were made during this period to honor the Marquis de Lafayette on his triumphant 1824–1825 tour of the twenty-four American states to commemorate the nation's 50th anniversary. As this flag originates from the Boston area, it may well have been flown aboard a ship to salute Lafayette's return. On June 17, 1824, Lafayette laid the cornerstone of the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. A magnificent and quite well-preserved early American flag.Format: Flag