I have found a couple of matches of this fan online, one saying Civil War era, another thinking that it likely dates to the last quarter of the 19th century, with the Cuban flags along with American flags suggesting Spanish American War era. I'm not certain, but it is definitely old, and I think is quite a lovely thing! The 13 star flag is hand-painted, and I love the way the wavy stripes follow the curve of the fan, which is made of waxed cotton fabric I believe. The carved wooden handles feature metal caps and a lock that holds it open tightly.
Wear to the paper on the handles and to the very top edge when closed (not visible when open) but no tearing to the fan itself and it still looks bright and crisp. I would hang this directly on the wall, easy to take down in use in hot weather and especially on the 4th of July!
12 5/8" x 8 3/4" open; 8 3/4" x 1" x 3/4" closed.
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