A large, very rare example of the '13 Star' Boat Flag used by the U.S. Navy as an ensign for smaller vessels from the 1850s through the early 20th century, 42 x 82 in., two-sided cotton construction, with 13 stars on the blue background to be more visible for boats. The left margin is folded over and sewn with hoist clasps and marked 'US Ensign No. 6 Navy Yard New York July 1907 7927.' Worn with scattered small holes and stains, but overall good condition. These 'boat flags' were used by the U.S. Navy until President Woodrow Wilson ended the practice with Executive Order 2390 which stated that all ensigns were to have the full complement of stars.