| 48 STAR, VINTAGE AMERICAN FLAG WITH AN EARLY “STORM KING” LABEL, ATTRIBUTED TO THE “OLD GLORY” FLAG CO. OF CHICAGO, OR COLLEGEVILLE FLAG & MFG. CO. OF PENNSYLVANIA, circa 1935-1950 |
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| Web ID: | 48j-1076 |
| Available: | In Stock |
| Frame Size (H x L): | |
| Flag Size (H x L): | 33.24" x 57" |
| Description: | |
| 48 star American national flag, made sometime between the latter 1930’s and 1950, in the era surrounding WWII (U.S. involvement 1941-45). The stars are made of plain weave cotton and are double-appliquéd (applied to both sides) with a zigzag machine stitch. The canton and striped field are made of heavy cotton bunting, that has been pieced and joined by machine with a lineal stitch. The triangular patches at the extreme top and bottom of the hoist end, applied to the reverse, are called gussets. These were added at points where the flag received the most stress when flown, and are original to its construction. There is a sailcloth canvas binding along the hoist, with two especially durable brass grommets. Near the top of the binding, on the obverse (front), is a beautifully embroidered, red, white, and blue tag that reads: “Storm King,” followed by “3x5” and “Color Guaranteed,” with a backdrop that consists of the domed cupola of a capitol building, with a waving flag on a high pole, sustaining angular streaks of lightning and rain from a storm cloud. Storm King was a popular brand name in flag-making. Unlike the consistently copyrighted names of today, many flag-makers copied one-another in the early 20th century, in terms of their use of certain names, this one being the most notable. This is not one I have regularly encountered. Two firms I suspect as possible makers in this instance are the “Old Glory” Flag Company of Chicago, and the Collegeville Flag & Mfg. Company (a.k.a., Stanco Quality Flags) of Collegeville, Pennsylvania, both of whom advertised product lines under this brand name in the period when this flag was produced. Interestingly enough, many flag makers didn’t include their company name on tags or stenciled markings. The 48 star flag became official in 1912 following the addition of New Mexico and Arizona. It remained so throughout WWI (U.S. involvement 1917-18), WWII (U.S. involvement 1941-45), and the Korean War (1950-53), until Alaska gained statehood in 1959 and the 49th star was added. Mounting: The flag has not yet been mounted. Condition: There is a modest to moderate vertical tear near the hoist, in the last white stripe, accompanied by modest top moderate losses at the fly end of both that and the top white stripes. There are minor tears elsewhere, in the 5th and last white stripes, and there is a series of tack holes with associated rust stains along the binding, where the flag was once affixed to a wooden staff. There is a pleasant, overall golden brown oxidation of the white stripes, and some soiling along the hoist. There is minor to modest fading of the red stripes and the blue canton. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use. |
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| Video: | |
| Collector Level: | Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving |
| Flag Type: | Sewn flag |
| Star Count: | 48 |
| Earliest Date of Origin: | 1935 |
| Latest Date of Origin: | 1950 |
| State/Affiliation: | Arizona |
| War Association: | WW 2 |
| Price: | Please call (717) 676-0545 or (717) 502-1281 |
| E-mail: | info@jeffbridgman.com |
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