| NATIONAL TRICOLOR FLAG OF ITALY WITH THE SHIELD AND CROSS DEVICE IN THE CENTER PALE, WWII ERA, ca 1940-1945 |
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| Web ID: | ofj-941 |
| Available: | In Stock |
| Frame Size (H x L): | Approx. 70.5" x 96" |
| Flag Size (H x L): | 58" x 82.5" |
| Description: | |
| National flag of Italy, made during the WWII era (Italian involvement 1940-1945). The design is in the recognizable tricolor format, with three vertical bars (pales) in colors of green, white, and red. In the center pale is the blue shield and cross, included in the official design in 1870, when Italy was united, then dropped just following WWII in 1946. The field is made of wool bunting that has been pieced and joined with machine stitching. Three lengths of fabric were used to construct each pale. The device is made of the same fabric and is double-appliquéd (applied to both sides) by the same method. There is a heavy cotton binding along the hoist, in the form of an open sleeve, through which a braided rope, looped at the top, was passed and stitched into position. Wool bunting was the fabric of choice of all nautical flags, as well as those for general long-term, outdoor use. It was a utilitarian fabric, with a gauze-like, open weave, that was only employed in the manufacture of flags and banners and was not appropriate for clothing or other purposes. Wool sheds water and the gauze-like, open weave of this particular material allowed air to pass through more readily when flown, to further facilitate longevity in a wet environment. While one could acquire a flag of this nature and use it for whatever purpose was required, this manner of hoist construction seen here is indicative of flags produced specifically for maritime use. Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% silk organza on every seam and throughout the star field for support. Then flag was then hand-sewn to background of 100% cotton twill, black in color, that was washed to reduce excess dye. An acid-free agent was added to the wash to further set the dye and the fabric was heat-treated for the same purpose. The flag was then placed in a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic. Condition: There is very minor mothing. The blue color of the shield has nearly faded to white. This was probably a result of a fugitive dye, which dissipated on its own, with or without the aid of long-term exposure to light. The result is actually quite beautiful and the flag displays wonderfully. |
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| Video: | |
| Collector Level: | Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving |
| Flag Type: | Sewn flag |
| Star Count: | |
| Earliest Date of Origin: | 1940 |
| Latest Date of Origin: | 1946 |
| State/Affiliation: | Other |
| War Association: | WW 2 |
| Price: | Please call (717) 676-0545 or (717) 502-1281 |
| E-mail: | info@jeffbridgman.com |
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