Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
Sold Flags



  AMERICAN FLAG, 48 STARS, A U.S. NAVY SMALL BOAT ENSIGN, MADE IN SEPTEMBER OF 1943, DURING WWII, AT MARE ISLAND, CALIFORNIA, HEADQUARTERS OF THE PACIFIC FLEET, WITH ENDEARING WEAR FROM OBVIOUS LONG-TERM USE

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 64" x 37.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 53" x 25.25"
Description....:
48 star, U.S. Navy small boat ensign, made during the WWII (U.S. involvement 1941-45) at Mare Island, California, Headquarters of the Pacific Fleet. A black stencil along the hoist on the reverse side reads as follows: "US Ensign No 10 Mare Island Sept 1943.” While U.S. involvement in the Second World War (1941-45) necessitated the acquisition of flags from many sources flags, the Navy had long made their own flags at several locations, of which this was one. “Ensign” is simply a term for the primary flag flown on a ship. "No. 10" is a size designation for a small boat flag that, per U.S. Navy Regulations of 1914, was to measure 2.9 x 5.51 feet.

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 four 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.

Although the specific history of this flag has been lost to time, the fact that it displays proper evidence of having been flown for an extended period is unusual among surviving examples. Most flags of this nature, brought home by sailors, were ships stores and never saw wartime service. Endearing wear from legitimate use, especially during wartime, is, in this instance, both historically attractive and visually striking.

The 48 star flag became official in 1912 following the addition of New Mexico and Arizona. It remained the official flag 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.

Located on the western edge of the City of Vallejo, about 23 miles northeast of San Francisco, Mare Island (actually a peninsula) served as a principal seat of U.S. Navy defense, beginning in the mid-19th century. The site was originally chosen following an expedition that set forth in 1850, when Commodore John Drake Sloat was ordered to lead a survey party in quest of a logical site for the nation's first Pacific naval installation. Sloat recommended the island across the Napa River from the settlement of Vallejo; it being "free from ocean gales and from floods and freshets." On November 6th of that year, two months after California was admitted to statehood, President Fillmore reserved Mare Island for government use. The U.S. Navy Department acted favorably on Commodore Sloat's recommendations and Mare Island was purchased in July, 1852, for the sum of $83,410 for the use as a naval shipyard. Two years later, on September 16th of 1854, Mare Island became the first permanent U.S. naval installation on the West Coast, with Commodore David G. Farragut serving as Mare Island's first base commander.

The base became home to what was known as the Pacific Fleet, and remained so until the threat of Japanese expansionism caused the shift to a more advanced position at Pearl Harbor. It was very active in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, but would eventually close in 1993 after Congress approved the findings of the Base Realignment and Closure Report.

Mounting: The flag was mounted and framed within our own conservation department, which is led by expert staff. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and have framed thousands of examples.

The black-painted, hand-gilded, and distressed molding is Italian. The background is 100% cotton twill, black in color, that was washed and treated for colorfastness. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic.

Condition: There is moderate to significant soiling in the stars and along the hoist binding, and minor to modest soiling elsewhere, throughout. There is significant loss from wind shear and fraying along the fly end in the 1st – 4th, as well as the 10th-13th stripes. There are extremely minor holes elsewhere, in limited areas. The grommets display significant corrosion and rust. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use, especially when they present well, as-is the case here.
Collector Level: Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts
Flag Type: Sewn flag
Star Count: 48
Earliest Date of Origin: 1943
Latest Date of Origin: 1943
State/Affiliation: California
War Association: WW 2
Price: SOLD
 

Views: 169