Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
Sold Flags



  WWII SON-IN-SERVICE BANNER WITH AN EAGLE, A SHIELD, AND A "V" FOR VICTORY

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 22.25" x 19"
Flag Size (H x L): 12.14" x 8.75"
Description....:
WWII SON-IN-SERVICE BANNER WITH AN EAGLE, A SHIELD, AND A "V" FOR VICTORY:

The practice of displaying a son-in-service banner became popular during WWI (U.S. involvement 1917-1918) and was continued or even increased during WWII (U.S. involvement 1941-1945). Families would display them in their front windows to signify the numbers of sons they had serving in the military during the war. There was one star for each child. The flags were traditionally composed of a rectangular white field with a blue star or stars, like this example, framed by a rectangular red border. Typically, if a soldier was killed, a gold star was applied over the blue. If other circumstances occurred, such as the soldier became a prisoner of war or missing in action, another color was used, such as purple or white. There was a whole list of colors to signify different statuses.

This one varies in design, with only a fine, narrow border surrounding a white ground, with a large shield on which is placed one white star on a blue ground. A large eagle is perched on top, under which are the words "In the Service" followed by "For Victory" along the bottom.

Construction: Printed on rayon with an applied silk fringe.

Mounting: The red varnished frame has a scooped profile with an ebonized inner lip and dates to the period between 1890 and 1920. The banner has been hand-stitched to 100% hemp fabric. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: There is minor, expected pigment loss, consistent with age and use. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age gracefully.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type:
Star Count:
Earliest Date of Origin: 1941
Latest Date of Origin: 1945
State/Affiliation:
War Association: WW 2
Price: SOLD
 

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