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  U.S. NAVY COMMISSIONING PENNANT, ca WWI-WWII (1917-1945)

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 15" x 24"
Flag Size (H x L): 2.5" x 50"
Description....:
U.S. NAVY COMMISSIONING PENNANT, ca WWI-WWII (1917-1945):

7 star nautical commissioning pennant, made sometime in the period between WWI and WWII (1917-1945). 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.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, commissioning pennants were very important in their role as signals identifying a ship of the American Navy. For this reason, they often well-exceed twenty feet in length, with some reaching as long as ninety feet. By the 20th century, however, they had become 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. The number may represent the 7 seas, but 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 hoist with a single brass grommet, on which is stenciled "U.S.S. [sic]". The name following U.S.S. is unfortunately illegible. Part of it appears to actually run off the edge. While construction changed very little during between WWI and WWII, my gut instinct, having handled many such pennants, is that this dates to the early part of that date bracket and is of WWI vintage.

Mounting: The pennant 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. The textile has been hand-stitched to 100% hemp fabric and placed in a gold molding dates to the period between 1940 and 1970. Spacers keep the textile away from the glass, which is U.V. protective.

Condition: There is some foxing and staining, but the pennant presents beautifully and there are no serious condition issues.
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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