Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
Sold Flags



  RARE AMERICAN PARADE FLAG WITH IMAGES OF TEDDY ROOSEVELT & HIS GREAT WHITE FLEET

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 22.75" x 28.75
Flag Size (H x L): 13.25" x 18.5"
Description....:
RARE & BEAUTIFUL AMERICAN PARADE FLAG WITH IMAGES OF TEDDY ROOSEVELT AND HIS GREAT WHITE FLEET, 1907:

46 star parade flag, printed on very fine silk, made to celebrate the launch of Teddy Roosevelt's Great White Fleet in 1907. The Great White Fleet was a United States Navy force that completed a circumnavigation of the globe from December 16, 1907, to February 22, 1909 at Roosevelt's bidding. It consisted of four squadrons of four battleships each, with associated escorts.

Through deployment of the Great White Fleet, Roosevelt sought to demonstrate growing American military power. This was largely fueled by an ongoing show of force by the Japanese Royal Navy. Japanese-American relations were tense and the Pacific Fleet was rather small. Roosevelt felt that action was required. In addition to several U.S. destinations and Japan, the ports visited during the round-the-world tour included Trinidad, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, the Philippine Islands, China, Ceylon, Egypt, and Gibraltar.

Superimposed on the flag image are circular medallions containing portraits of each of the 16 battleships. Their round shape makes them appear as though they are being viewed through a porthole or spyglass. Inside these are oval portraits of the four Admirals that commanded the squadrons, flanking a larger medallion picturing T.R. himself, commander-in-chief. The four admirals pictured are Rear Admiral Charles S. Sperry (top left), Rear Admiral William H. Emory (top right), Rear Admiral Charles M. Thomas (bottom left), and Rear Admiral Robley D. Evans (bottom right). There were four legs of the two year tour, and having been selected by seniority, three of the four men retired during the journey.

The flag itself is highly unusual. In 1905, the United States Congress passed a law that was supposed to have eliminated the use of portraits and text on the American flag, labeling it desecration. Examples survive that were produced after that date, but they are generally rather benign, without elaborate formats and almost never including the portraits of a U.S. Presidents or other political figures. The great popularity of Roosevelt lends to its great desirability, as does the overall design, with so much pictured in historical record the famous fleet and its fearless leader.

The 46th state, Oklahoma, joined the Union in 1907. The 46 star flag became official on July 4th, 1908 and remained so until July 3rd, 1912.

Mounting: This is a sandwich-mount between 100% cotton velvet and u.v. protective plexiglas. The black fabric was washed to reduce excess dye. An acid-free agent was added to the wash to further set the dye and the fabric was heat-treated for the same purpose. The mount was then placed in a silver gilt molding with a rippled profile that dates to the period between 1830 and 1860.

Condition: There is very minor water staining but there are no serious condition issues. The great rarity of this flag warrants almost any condition.
Collector Level: Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 46
Earliest Date of Origin: 1907
Latest Date of Origin: 1907
State/Affiliation: Oklahoma
War Association:
Price: Sold
 

Views: 3060