Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
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  WWII SON-IN-SERVICE BANNER FOR A U.S. NAVYMAN

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 18.5" x 15.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 12" x 8.75"
Description....:
WWII SON-IN-SERVICE BANNER FOR A U.S. NAVYMAN:

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 varies in design via a narrowing of the red border and the inclusion of text and images in the center in place of the star. An anchor with "U.S.N." appears in the center, flanked above and below by the words "Serving in U.S. Navy." It is unusual for Son-In-Service banners to include the branch of the military in which the soldier served and this is the specific appeal of this example.

Construction: Printed on heavy weight rayon with a rolled-over sleeve that the top that is bound with treadle stitching. The fabric is folded over at the top to create an open sleeve, through which a wooden staff would have previously been inserted (now absent).

Mounting: 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. The mount was then placed in a modern frame with a finish that is very dark brown, nearly black, with red with a red undertone and highlights. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: There is very minor soiling, but there are no serious condition issues.
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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