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  48 STAR U.S. NAVY SMALL BOAT ENSIGN OF THE WWII ERA (U.S. INVOLVEMENT 1941-45), MADE BY DETTRA IN PENNSYLVANIA, WITH A RARE “VALLEY FORGE” NAME BRAND

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L):
Flag Size (H x L): 29.5" x 54.75"
Description....:
48 star, U.S. Navy small boat ensign, made during WWII (U.S. involvement 1941-45) by the Dettra Company in Oaks, Pennsylvania, near Valley Forge. A black inked stamp along the binding reads U.S. Ensign No. 11. This was a size designation for a flag that, per U.S. Navy Regulations of 1914, was to measure 2.37 x 4.5 feet, and was assigned to submarines, landing craft, and other small vessels.

The canton and stripes of the flag are made of wool bunting, of an unusually heavy weight, that has been pieced and sewn with machine stitching. The stars are made of cotton and are double-appliquéd (applied to both sides) with a zigzag machine stitch. There is a heavy canvas binding along the hoist, with two metal grommets. The general manner in which the flag is made, with higher grade fabrics and uncommonly stout construction, is indicative of U.S. Navy flags of the WWI-WWII era. A maker’s mark appears next to the size designation. This reads: “Dettra’s Flag Products; Oaks Penna.; Valley Forge Bunting Flag; Be Careful of Moths; All New Wool.” Valley Forge Bunting Flag is a brand name for the grade of bunting employed here, likely their best grade. This is an extremely rare mark that I have seen only a couple of times, and easily confused with “Valley Forge Flag Company,” of Spring City, Pennsylvania, another major flag-maker, located in relatively close proximity.

Dettra opened its doors in 1902 and was one of our nation's largest flag manufacturers. Like its largest competitor, Annin, it probably held military production contracts, particularly during wartime when there was grand scale consumption of national colors. The company was bought out by Annin in 1998.

The 48 star flag became official in 1912 following the addition of New Mexico and Arizona. It remained so throughout WWI (U.S. involvement 1917-18), WWII (U.S. involvement 1941-45), and the Korean War (1950-53), until Alaska gained statehood in 1959 and the 49th star was added.

Mounting: The flag has not yet been mounted.

Condition: Excellent for the period, with extremely minor mothing, very minor water staining, the most significant of which appears at the fly end of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th white stripes. and moderate corrosion on the grommets.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 48
Earliest Date of Origin: 1941
Latest Date of Origin: 1945
State/Affiliation: Arizona
War Association: WW 2
Price: SOLD
 

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