09/14/2026
in 1814, Francis Scott Key witnessed the raising of a large American flag after the British naval bombardment of Fort McHenry. This inspired him to write the poem “Defence of Fort M’Henry.” The verses were soon set to the tune of a popular English song, traditionally attributed to John Stafford Smith, though later credited to Samuel Arnold. Over time, the song became a potent symbol of national identity and resilience, formally adopted as the national anthem in 1931.
This is a finely executed vintage silk printed handkerchief featuring the music and lyrics of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The handkerchief is bordered with a flag motif and at the center is a printed musical score with attribution to Francis Scott Key and Samuel Arnold in the upper margins. The composition is laid out across five staffs, complete with both treble and bass clefs, notated in three-quarter time and set in B-flat major with passages in G minor, accompanied by four stanzas of lyrics.
