Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  48 EMBROIDERED STARS, MARKED “BULL DOG BUNTING”, MADE BY DETTRA, 1945-1950’s

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): Approx. 36" x 47.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 24.5" x 36.25"
Description....:
48 star American national flag, made by the Dettra flag company and bearing their “Bull Dog” trademark. This is a two-ply, moth proof, cotton flag with finely embroidered stars, made sometime during the period between the end of WWII and the 1950’s. There is a heavy canvas binding along the hoist, with 2 brass grommets. The word "Charleston" is inscribed along the hoist in pencil, on the reverse. While this could be the name of a city or a ship, the most common reason that flags were marked in this manner was to denote the name of the owner. It was common to mark flags in this fashion during the 19th and 1st quarter of the 20th centuries, but became less common afterwards.

Dettra opened its doors in 1902 and was one of our nation's largest flag manufacturers. Like its largest competitor, Annin, it probably held military production contracts, particularly during wartime when there was grand scale consumption of national colors. The company was bought out by Annin in 1998, having been Annin’s largest commercial competitor since its 1902 inception. The Bull Dog name was afterwards used by Annin.

The 48 star flag became official in 1912 following the addition of New Mexico and Arizona. It remained the official flag throughout WWI, WWII, and the Korean War, until Alaska gained statehood in 1959 and the 49th star was added.

Mounting: The flag was mounted and framed within our own conservation department, which is led by expert staff. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and have framed thousands of examples.

The background is 100% cotton twill, black in color. The black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed molding is Italian. The glazing is U.V. protective plexiglass. Feel free to contact us for more details.

Condition: There is very minor soiling throughout.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 48
Earliest Date of Origin: 1945
Latest Date of Origin: 1959
State/Affiliation: Arizona
War Association:
Price: SOLD
 

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