Historical Serapis, or John Paul Jones flag. One of the most famous early American flags, the Serapis features thirteen rare 8 pointed stars arranged in a unique pattern. Also notable is the distinctive and seldom seen tri-color stripe pattern, adding blue to the more common white & red arrangement.
Choose from various sizes
Durable All-Weather Nylon/Dacron
Digitally printed, single-reverse with four rows reinforced stitching for durability
Canvas header & brass grommet attachment
Made in USA
PLEASE NOTE: Sizes 4x6' and larger may require additional lead time, please contact us for availability if you have a firm need date
On September 23, 1779, John Paul Jones, aboard his Bonhomme Richard, attacked and overtook the British merchant marine ship, Serapis. When Jones returned to port with the Serapis for a refit, the British ambassador accused him of being a pirate due to the fact he was flying a flag of unknown origin. Being no friends of the British, the dutch ambassador quickly had a sketch made of the flag the Serapis was flying. When the sketch was finished, he slipped it into his official records as an American flag. By doing that the British were forced to recognize the flag as one of the United States and Jones was released and allowed to refit his vessel.
