Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
Sold Flags



  WWI SON-IN-SERVICE BANNER FOR A U.S. NAVYMAN

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 20" x 15.75"
Flag Size (H x L): 12.75" x 8.5"
Description....:
The practice of displaying a son-in-service banner became popular during WWI (U.S. involvement 1917-1918) and was continued or even increased during WWII (U.S. involvement 1941-45). Families would display them in their front windows to signify the numbers of sons they had serving in the military during the war. There was one star for each child. The flags were traditionally composed of a rectangular white field with a blue star or stars, framed by a rectangular red border. Typically, if a soldier was killed, a gold star was applied over the blue. If other circumstances occurred, such as the soldier became a prisoner of war or missing in action, another color was used, such as purple or white. There was a whole list of colors to signify different statuses.

This one dates to the WWI period and varies from the norm because it designates the banner for a member of the United States Navy. Son-In-Service banners that include the branch of the military in which the soldier served are scarce and that is the primary appeal of this example.

Construction: The banner is printed on felted wool with the lettering in relief. The top edge is rolled over and bound with machine stitching and there are two white metal grommets.

Mounting: The banner has been hand-stitched to 100% hemp fabric. The mount has been placed in a very dark brown molding, almost black, with red highlights, to which a rippled profile molding with subtle gold highlights was added as a liner. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type:
Star Count:
Earliest Date of Origin: 1917
Latest Date of Origin: 1918
State/Affiliation:
War Association: WW 1
Price: SOLD
 

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