Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  48 STARS ON A MILITARY GRADE, U.S. NAVY SMALL BOAT FLAG, WWI - WWII ERA (1917-1945), MARKED "U.S. ENSIGN No. 10"

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): Approx. 42.5" x 70.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 31.5" x 69.25"
Description....:
48 STARS ON A MILITARY GRADE, U.S. NAVY SMALL BOAT FLAG, WWI - WWII ERA (1917-1945), MARKED "U.S. ENSIGN No. 10":

48 star American national flag, made to be flown by the United States Navy as a small boat ensign, with especially heavy construction and markings that are congruent with American naval colors. The flag is also somewhat more elongated than usual, which is an attractive feature and also indicative of maritime use. This was almost certainly due to the fact that flags in use at sea, where there were no wind barriers, got damaged more quickly at the fly end and having a longer flag would lengthen its lifespan.

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 (1950-53), until Alaska gained statehood in 1959 and the 49th star was added.

This particular flag was probably produced in the period between WWI (U.S. involvement 1917-18) and WWII (U.S. involvement 1941-45). Production of wool bunting flags fell drastically after the war in favor of cotton and cotton/synthetic blends that resisted moths but could at the same time shed water like their wool counterparts.

The stars are made of cotton and are double-appliquéd (applied to both sides) with a zigzag machine stitch. The canton and stripes of the flag are made of wool that has been pieced by machine. There is a heavy sailcloth canvas binding along the hoist with four brass grommets, along which "U.S. Ensign No. 10". The square patches at the top and bottom corners of the hoist end are original to the flag's construction. These are called gussets and were added for support at the points where the flag received the most stress when it was flown.

Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% silk organza for support on every seam and throughout the canton. It was then hand-stitched to a background of 100% cotton, black in color, which was 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. The mount was then placed in a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic.

Condition: There is minor mothing throughout. There is minor foxing and staining and very minor bleeding. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 48
Earliest Date of Origin: 1912
Latest Date of Origin: 1945
State/Affiliation: Arizona
War Association: WW 2
Price: SOLD
 

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