american flags...

Collectors hold a very special place in their hearts — and homes — for antique American flags.

Small parade flags, or hand-wavers, have been a part of American life since the 1840s.

Examples from the 19th century start at $200. The 48-star variety, made between 1912 and 1959, can be found for about $5 to $25 each.

This cheerful cluster dates from the 1940s. Be on the lookout for other flags including:

The 13-STAR flags that have been made throughout our nation's history. This mid-19th-century piece is extremely rare; medallion patterns that feature one or no stars in the center are more common.

The CIVIL WAR flags are a popular category with collectors. Most from this period were made for military use. A red-and-white fringe distinguishes this c. 1865 36-star artillery battery flag.