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  UNUSUAL WWI PERIOD WINDOW BANNER WITH 48 STARS ON A CORNFLOWER BLUE CANTON AND SILVER BULLION FRINGE, 1917-18

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 24.5" x 18"
Flag Size (H x L): 14.5" x 8.75"
Description....:
UNUSUAL WWI PERIOD WINDOW BANNER WITH 48 STARS ON A CORNFLOWER BLUE CANTON AND SILVER BULLION FRINGE, 1917-18:

48 star American parade flag window banner, made during WWI (U.S. involvement 1917-18). Printed on cotton sateen, this is an unusual and especially graphic example that I have not before encountered. Flags of this nature were manufactured to display wartime patriotism and were generally hung in windows in the same fashion as son-in-service banners, the use of which was a new practice in the First World War. A Stars & Stripes banner was an alternative that could be used when a household or business had no sons, daughters, or employees in the service of the armed forces.

The flag is hung by a metal chain that is affixed to a metal staff with spherical, pierced finials at either end. The staff appears to be copper, but may in fact be painted or electroplated in some fashion. In any event, it is unusually fine and attractive across staffs of this type, which are usually wood. Note how the canton of the flag is a vibrant shade of cornflower blue, which makes for an interesting visual compliment to the metallic bullion fringe that is stitched to the fly end. This sort of fringe was typically manufactured in Paris, made of sterling silver and quite costly. The combination of visually compelling features results in a wonderful example of the period.

The 48 star flag represents the addition of Arizona in 1912 and was the official star count from that year until 1959. It was the official flag through WWI (U.S. involvement 1917-18), WWII (U.S. involvement 1941-45), and the Korean Conflict (1950-53).

Mounting: The early surface frame dates to the period between 1890 and 1910 and has excellent, original surface. It has been married to a silver gilt liner of the 1860-1890 period. The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% hemp fabric. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: Excellent, with but a very tiny amount of soiling.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 48
Earliest Date of Origin: 1917
Latest Date of Origin: 1918
State/Affiliation: Arizona
War Association: WW 1
Price: SOLD
 

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