Frame Size (H x W): 11” x 7”
Service Flag Size (H x W): 17” x 13”

Offered is a fantastic service flag.  In the United States, a service flag is an official banner that a family of a service member displays.  Most service flags include one to three stars, one star for each son or daughter serving in the military.  Service flags have a white field with a red border, and a blue star for each family member serving in the Armed Forces of the United States during any period of war.  Sadly, when a family member is injured, a blue star may be covered with a red star, or in the case of death, with a gold star.  In the case of this service flag, it appears that the star was originally blue, but has since faded to a very light blue.    

Service flags were first displayed during World War I, and have been displayed in every US war since.  This particular example dates to the World War II era (1939-1945), and includes an overprint with a very attractive font.  The overprint is the following: SERVING | IN | U.S. | NAVY.  We have offered many service flags over the past few years, and this is one of our favorites.    

Conservation Process: This flag was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board.  To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the flag, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash.  The flag is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: The antique frame dates to between 1860 and 1890.   

Condition Report: This service flag exhibits some fading, but overall is in wonderful condition and very attractive.

Collectability Level: The Good – Perfect for Rising Collectors
Date of Origin: 1939-1945