Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  THE BEST OF ALL REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR BANNERS THAT I HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED, WITH UNCLE SAM , A “V” FOR VICTORY, “KEEP ‘EM ROLLING AND KEEP ‘EM FLYING SLOGANS

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 36" x 31.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 26" x 21.5"
Description....:
During WWII (U.S. involvement 1941-45), the practice of displaying son-in-service banners was in full swing. These typically had a blue star set within a rectangular white field, with a red border around the perimeter. The use of such banners emerged during WWI and between the two World Wars, the basic shape and style of window banners was employed for other purposes, such as political campaigning. Many notable versions were made, for example, featuring portraits and slogans for Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his opponents. When America entered WWII, other styles were made that displayed a variety of patriotic images and slogans. “God Bless America” is one of the more common styles, for example. Others marry such verbiage with service banners, incorporating the blue star with slogans like “In the Service for Victory.” Rarer styles feature popular figures, such as General McArthur or Uncle Sam, with accompanying patriotic text. Most were less than a foot tall, with a wooden dowel inserted in an open sleeve and a twisted gold rope with tassels formed from knotting and intentionally fraying each end. Larger versions are scarce and the larger they get the more unusual they are.

Among the rarest styles are versions that say “Remember Pearl Harbor.” Most of the Pearl Harbor varieties are small and most are graphically unattractive. A number feature colors that are not red, white and blue, which detracts from their appeal to a wide audience of patriotic collectors. Some of the latter may have been made post-war as souvenirs, not unlike the felt pennants that were so popularly collected during this period (as well as both before and after).

Graphically speaking, this is one of the most outstanding banners that one will ever encounter. Despite years of examining them, I have never seen its equal. Along the top register is a row of white stars on a blue background. Set behind an arching streamer that reads “Remember Pearl Harbor” across the center, the primary image features a huge “V” for “Victory.” From the vortex of the letter emerges a stern Uncle Sam, with sleeves rolled up on outstretched arms, firmly gripping a hammer of industry and a rifle for all to see.

Slogans such as “Keep ‘Em Rolling” and “Keep ‘Em Flying” are extraordinarily rare--seldom ever encountered on flags or banners of any kind. Both quite remarkably appear on this one banner. In the lower left is the former text, above the roof of a factory, with steam pouring forth. To the right is the latter phrase, amidst a tank, a destroyer, and a bomber. As if that were not enough, at 19 x 24 inches, this is also one of the largest banners of this sort that exists.

With all the bells and whistles, so-to-speak, I can confidently state that this is the best WWII banner of its kind that I have ever seen, and without doubt, the best Pearl Harbor example among them.

Mounting: The banner has been hand-stitched to 100% hemp fabric. The mount was then placed in a hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding with a wide ogee profile and a hand-gilded and distressed inner lip. A shadowbox was created to enhance the display. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic.

Condition: There is moderate age toning throughout and there is minor to moderate soiling. There is a tiny hole adjacent to the V to the lower right. The textile was professionally cleaned. Many of my clients prefer early flag to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Flags for the truest Patriots. My best offerings
Flag Type:
Star Count:
Earliest Date of Origin: 1941
Latest Date of Origin: 1945
State/Affiliation: Hawaii
War Association: WW 2
Price: SOLD
 

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