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  EXTRAORDINARILY RARE 48 STAR PARADE FLAG WITH "REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR" OVERPRINT, USED IN A PARADE IN DERRY, NH, 1942

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 13.5"x 16.75"
Flag Size (H x L): 7" x 10"
Description....:
EXTRAORDINARILY RARE 48 STAR PARADE FLAG WITH "REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR" OVERPRINT, USED IN A PARADE IN DERRY, NH, 1942:

Only three examples of printed parade flags are known that have an overprint that reads "Remember Pearl Harbor" in one format or another. Two reside in the collection of Richard Pierce, this is the third. Printed on fine silk or rayon, the black inked overprint reads:

Remember
Pearl Harbor
Dec. 7, 1941

All three examples are in different formats. While this one is not particularly bold or elaborate, its exceptional rarity is accompanied by the specific history of its use. Accompanying the flag is a hand-written letter from its former owner, from whom I acquired it in 2006. The letter reads:

"Dear Jeff~
This 48-star flag, with the writing on it, "Remember Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941," was owned by my mother, Lillian Hamblett, and used in a parade in Derry, N.H., on the 4th of July 1942. I found this flag while cleaning out my father's effects, and framed it about 10 years ago.
I hope you enjoy the flag. Sincerely,
Charles Hamblett"

The use of American National symbols for the purpose of advertising became illegal in 1905 following an act of Congress. But this did not put an end to the practice. Veterans, in particular, printed on the flag for reunions and parades, perhaps feeling they had earned the truest right to the stewardship of its use and care. And use of the flag for fundraising purposes during wartime sometimes occurred and could hardly be criticized. That said, very few examples survive with overprinted text that were made in the 70-75 year period that has passed between World War II (1941-45) and today.

The connection between the message on this flag and the monumental effect that this event had on American history, accompanied by the great rarity of the flag itself among known examples, make it extraordinary object despite its seemingly innocuous appearance.

Mounting: Our in-house staff re-mounted the flag for improved conservation and presentation. The early surface, black painted, solid walnut frame, with a gilded liner, dates to the period between 1860 and 1880. This is a sandwich mount between 100% cotton and U.V. protective acrylic. A length of fabric was placed behind the flag to both act as a barrier and to strengthen its color against the black background. The black fabric has been 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.

Condition: There are no significant condition issues.
Collector Level: Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 48
Earliest Date of Origin: 1941
Latest Date of Origin: 1942
State/Affiliation: New Hampshire
War Association: WW 2
Price: SOLD
 

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