Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS PENNANT, circa 1914-1920’s

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 21.25" x 47.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 11" x 33.5"
Description....:
Large, felt, Marine Corps pennant with appliquéd felt letters and the central device of its official seal, the latter adorned with embroidered detailing and inscription. The colors used to represent the Marine Corps changed over time. The present combination of scarlet red and gold were formally adopted in 1925, but American military traditions tend to be as hard to extinguish as the men and women of their ranks, and the Corps was certainly no exception. 14 years would pass before the official change caught up with its flags. Between 1914 (the opening year of WWI in Europe) and 1939, the flag of the Marine Corps retained a deep blue ground, with scarlet red streamers containing golden yellow text that read: “United States Marine Corps” and the Latin slogan “Semper Fi,” above and below its coat of arms. The latter consists of a federal eagle, perched upon the full sphere of the globe, superimposed on a canted anchor with a whirling chain, the combination of which was selected to symbolize the Corps’ watchful, worldwide, maritime presence. Though there is traditionally white in the device, none is present in its representation on the pennant, but the color scheme is otherwise reflective of pre-1940 flags.

There is a red felt binding along the hoist, with two pairs of red felt ties, the latter slightly faded and obviously of a different dye lot. The coat of arms is entirely gold in this instance, and the “USMC” letters, in faded red, like the ties, display a font, a quality of application, and weight, present and expected in other known pennants of the 19-teens and ‘20’s. Although not entirely out of the realm of possibility, the pennant was probably not made in the 1930’s, for the simple fact that the presence of the Great Depression made both the production of objects of this quality, as well as the frivolity of electing to buy them, far less likely. The above facts, in conjunction with the color schematics, are suggestive of a 1914 – 1920’s date.

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% hemp fabric, ivory in color. The mount was placed in a dark brown, cove-shaped molding with a wood grain surface and reddish highlights, to which a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding was added as a liner. A shadowbox was created to accommodate the ties, which have a three-dimensional fold. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic (Plexiglas). Feel free to contact us for more details.

Condition: Minor to modest fading, accompanied by a few tiny holes from mothing.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count:
Earliest Date of Origin: 1914
Latest Date of Origin: 1920's
State/Affiliation:
War Association: WW 1
Price: Please call (717) 676-0545 or (717) 502-1281
 

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