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  U.S. NAVY COMMISSIONING PENNANT WITH 7 STARS, WWI-WWII ERA (1917-1945)

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 15.5" x 23"
Flag Size (H x L): 8" x 16" as mounted (2" x 47.75" unfurled)
Description....:
U.S. NAVY COMMISSIONING PENNANT WITH 7 STARS, WWI-WWII ERA (1917-1945):

7 star nautical commissioning pennant, made sometime in the period between WWI (U.S. involvement 1917-18) and WWII (U.S. involvement 1941-45). Commissioning pennants are the distinguishing mark of a commissioned U.S. Navy ship. A ship became commissioned when this pennant was hoisted. Flown during both times of peace and war, the only time the pennant is not flown is if a flag officer or civilian official is aboard and replaces it with their own flag.

Commissioning pennants were very important in their role as signals and thus needed to be seen from great distance. During the 18th and 19th centuries, they usually exceed ten feet in length, with some reaching as long as ninety feet. During the 1st quarter of the 20th they became largely ceremonial and customary. Most range between four feet (like this tiny example) and six feet in length. Today the largest commissioning pennants measure two-and-a-half inches by six feet.

Note that there are two sizes of stars, 4 larger and 3 smaller. Though the purpose is unknown, this arrangement is seen on many other commissioning pennants. It is interesting to note that according to the U.S. Navy, the reason for the choice of 7 stars was not recorded. I have always suspected that the number might reference the "7 Seas", though this is an ancient term and geographers disagree on the precise meaning. The number may just as likely have represented what seemed like a logical design choice when the overall length was substantially shortened.

This particular pennant is made of wool bunting with cotton stars that are appliqued with a zigzag, machine stitch. There is a canvas binding on the hoist with a single brass grommet.

Mounting: The red varnished molding has a pleasant shape and dates to the period between 1885 and 1910. The pennant has been hand-stitched to 100% hemp fabric. It has been folded back-and-forth in a visually interesting zigzag fashion, which simultaneously allows it to be accommodated in a frame of manageable size. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: There is very minor wear and fraying along the hoist, but the overall condition is excellent.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 07
Earliest Date of Origin: 1917
Latest Date of Origin: 1945
State/Affiliation:
War Association: WW 1
Price: SOLD
 

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