What does the Bedford Flag ornament show?

The Bedford Flag of Bedford, Massachusetts: a crimson banner showing an armored arm holding a sword, emerging from a cloud, with the Latin motto Vince Aut Morire.

How old is the Bedford Flag?

The Bedford Flag was made in the early 1700s; one of its pigments was not available before 1704. Page family tradition holds that Nathaniel Page carried it to Concord on April 19, 1775. It is on display in Bedford, Massachusetts.

What is the ornament made of, and how is it packaged?

A three-inch round of faceted crystal glass with a red ribbon. The line-drawn art is printed so the open areas let the crystal show through. It comes in a white or gold gift box, is made to order in the USA and ships free in the U.S.

Is this ornament an official Bedford souvenir?

No. It is original art by Merlin Classics, an independent shop, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any town office, museum or organization.

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Bedford Massachusetts Holiday Ornament - Bedford Flag

$28.00 USD

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The Bedford Flag, crimson silk, an armored arm and a sword, the banner of April 19.

Vince aut morire: conquer or die. The words run on a ribbon around an armored arm thrust from a cloud, sword in hand, on a field of crimson. This ornament carries the Bedford Flag in its true colours.

Every Bedford child learns this flag, and every Bedford household ought to have it on the tree. It is a three-inch round of faceted crystal glass on a red ribbon, printed so the open areas of the drawing let the light through, in your choice of a white or gold gift box. It is also a striking gift for a Minuteman reenactor, a collector of historic flags, or anyone keeping the 250th anniversary with something older than the stars and stripes.

Quick Facts — Bedford Flag Ornament

› Subject: The Bedford Flag: armored arm, sword and motto on crimson

› Town: Bedford, Massachusetts

› Size: 3 in (76 mm) round, faceted edge, red ribbon

› Material: crystal glass, line-drawn art printed to let the crystal show through

› Packaging: white or gold gift box

› Made to order in the USA

› Ships free in the U.S.

The flag is painted on crimson silk damask. Analysis of its pigments shows it was made in the early 1700s, as a cavalry standard for a Massachusetts troop. By the tradition of the Page family, Nathaniel Page, a Bedford Minuteman, took it up on the morning of April 19, 1775, and carried it to Concord. It is kept on display in Bedford today.

It is a small flag, about two feet square, and it has survived three centuries. Whatever happened at the bridge, it is very likely the oldest complete flag in the country, and Bedford has never let it go.

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Product FAQs

How does your sizing work?

Every item is made to order, so please check the size chart on this page before you buy. Women's fitted tees run small; size up for a looser fit. Caps are one size with an adjustable strap.

How are items made and when will they arrive?

We make each item to order using premium blanks, embroidery and soft-hand prints. Production takes 2-5 business days (weekends and holidays excluded), then 4-10 days in transit via USPS, UPS or FedEx to U.S. addresses; most orders arrive within 6-15 business days. You'll get a tracking link the moment it ships. Any current shipping offer is shown in the bar at the top of every page and applies automatically at checkout, no code needed.

How do I send a gift?

Enter the recipient's address as the shipping address and your own as the billing address at checkout. Nothing ships with a price; the package includes a plain packing slip. Tracking goes to your email, not theirs. For birthdays and holidays, order two weeks ahead to be safe.

What's the return policy?

Made-to-order items can't be returned or exchanged for size or color, so please use the size chart and photos before ordering. If anything arrives defective, misprinted or damaged, send a photo and your order number within 30 days and we'll replace it or refund you.

How do I care for my item?

Apparel: wash cold, inside out, with like colors; no bleach; tumble dry low or hang dry. Embroidered pieces: iron inside out to protect the stitching. Caps: spot clean. Printed glasses and water bottles: hand wash only, no dishwasher, so the artwork lasts. Mugs and engraved glasses are dishwasher safe. Any item-specific care notes are in the description above.

Who makes this?

Merlin Classics is a small Connecticut brand making original retro designs for the towns people love. Every piece is printed, embroidered or engraved to order in the USA, and the business supports hunger relief in the communities our collections celebrate.