History buffs- need help w/ id scene on this antique scarf

[RetroMonde]

I found this OLD silk commemorative scarf and haven't figured out what it's about... what it's commemorating or where it's a souvenir of. The poor old scarf is suffering extreme damage in the center where the threads are separating cross-wise but as old as it is someone may want it to frame. I haven't found anything like it online but am not really sure exactly WHAT to search for.

Judging from the colors, sewn hems along 3 sides and fabric I'd say it's post US Civil war era. Right now I'm leaning towards it having something to do with Canton China because of the harbor scene, boats/ships & buildings. But that's pretty vague and would at least like to have a better idea what it is before I list it. So I'm hoping someone here can help cause you guys are the best! As always I'll post pix as soon as I log into the Tapatalk app on my phone. Thanks!! - Sandra

ETA- sorry but the pictures from my phone are usually large. There's a lot of 'em to see details. 

[RetroMonde]

Here's the pix. Sorry if they're large- can't see details otherwise.

[jandsknight]

If you can figure out how many stars there were you should be able to date it.

I found this about early trade with China: 1844: The United States gains the same trading rights as the United Kingdom under Treaty of Wanghia.

Maybe it's about that?

[RetroMonde]

I did a lot of reading last week when I found this piece and saw what you found too. Would that pre-date machine sewing?

[Deleted]

1893 World's Fair in Chicago I think.

[Deleted]

Fashion is correct - click on the "aerial view" pic:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World%27s_Columbian_Exposition

There's one on Etsy for $100: www.etsy.com/listing/195396822/silk-worlds-fair-1893-intricate-flag

[chapeaunoir]

The damage looks almost more like silk slippage than actual shattering.

[jandsknight]

I didn't do enough research.

I wonder why the one on Etsy has the white banner about being a souvenir from the fair and yours doesn't. Could it be a separate piece that was sewn on top? It doesn't look like that in the picture. Is yours the same size as theirs?

Good luck with it!

[RetroMonde]

Well, that's both crazy and awesome- you all are terrific! I would NEVER have thought of Chicago- I thought it was an ocean harbor. How wrong can ya be? ROTFL!! The late 1800s sure feels right for the date judging from the color, fabric & hemming stitch. The one on Etsy is 10" and mine is approx. 16" so maybe it was marketed as a bandana instead of a hankie. I do wonder why it doesn't say Worlds Fair like the other one.

Chap, the silk definitely isn't shattering but instead it's like the warp threads broke in areas but the weft threads are still intact. Is that called silk slippage? If you pick it up by the selvedge the fabric is stable but if you pick it up from the top or bottom the fabric splits apart. It's super fragile... being in the bins probably didn't help this beauty one bit. Savages!  Oh well. I think I'll auction it since it's SO as-is.

Seriously, you sleuths all ROCK! I'd have never figured it out cause I was looking at the completely wrong part of the world. Thanks so much!

ETA- Here's one that sold on eBay that's about the same size as mine. SaveSave