I just came across a wonderful little booklet published by the Chase & Sanborn Coffee Company of Boston in 1898. It’s entitled “The History of Our American Flag.” Of course, it includes the Gadsden flag.
Gadsden flag in Sanborn Coffee booklet
I’m always curious to see how the Gadsden flag is represented in vintage documents like this. Since there are no surviving examples of Gadsden flags from the Revolutionary era, only descriptions of them, illustrations from the 19th century and early 20th century may be closer to the original 18th century versions than what we use today. At the very least, these vintage representations give us insight into how “Don’t Tread on Me” symbolism was treated in different periods of American history.
Other flags in coffee booklet
In addition to the Gadsden flag page, the booklet also has this page that includes a very uncommon flag: the “Liberty or Death” standard of the White Plains cavalry. This flag features a blue liberty cap crossed with a sword. Beyond that, I know nothing about it. Does anyone out there know more?
