Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  WWII SON-IN-SERVICE BANNER IN A NICE SIZE WITH APPEALING TEXT

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 24.5" x 20.5"
Flag Size (H x L): 15.25" x 12.25"
Description....:
WWII SON-IN-SERVICE BANNER IN A NICE SIZE WITH APPEALING TEXT:

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 1941-45). 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, 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 is more elaborate than the generic design. In the center of an open white field it features a printed image of the basic pattern, above and below which, printed in the same blue and red, is text that reads: “A member of this household is in the SERVICE of Our Country.” This is an unusual example and the within its text is an added appeal. The size is a bit larger than most, which is also a plus. Note the interesting use of capitalization, emphasizing the word “service” and giving added importance to the patriotism that should be acknowledged in the words “our country”.

Construction: Printed on white rayon with a rolled-over sleeve at the top that is bound with treadle stitching, through which a wire staff was inserted with its ends bent into round eyelets. A red (faded to orange) silk cord with ends knotted and untwisted below to form tassels is tied through the eyelets. Silk fringe is applied along the bottom edge. This appears to be white or silver with a red decorative weave on the horizontal (faded to orange), but the original color may have possibly been blue.

Mounting: The black-painted oak frame with its scooped profile and original gold liner dates to around 1920. The banner has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton, black in color, which 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. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: There is one pinprick-sized hole and a very minor water stain and light soiling. There is fading of the red silk floss and perhaps of the silver/blue floss used in the fringe.
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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