48 Star U.S. Ensign, Size 6
This is a large, woolen 48 star U.S. ensign of the type utilized by the Untied States Navy during WWII. It was made by the Valley Forge Flag Company of Pennsylvania under government contract. The flag's markings and finishing are typical of those intended for naval use.
After the American Civil War and up until WWII the United States Navy made most of the flags it needed at U.S. naval yards throughout the country and around the globe. Private purchase flags were acquired and often over-marked with the name of the vessel. The rapid expansion of the U.S. Navy quickly outstripped the ability of the flag lofts in various naval yards to meet the demands of the service and flags such as this ensign were subsequently contracted from civilian sources.
This ensign is marked Size #6 and complies with the 8.94' X 16.99' dimensions prescribed for that designation. Since the 1850s, it has been the practice of the United States Navy to designate flag sizes and dimensions in an official table of allowances. During WWII there were twelve different sizes prescribed for use by the U.S. Navy. The largest, Size No. 1, could be found on large capital ships (such as battleships) on Sundays and holidays. The most diminutive, Size 12 would have been seen on the smallest of U.S. Naval boats and gigs attached to warships or assigned to harbors.
An ensign like ZFC3859 would have been appropriately displayed afloat on holidays and Sundays aboard a U.S. Naval vessel in excess of 200' in length.
This flag was never issued and when acquired by the War Museum of New York City it was in "like new" condition. Because of its large size and superior condition it was selected to be the backdrop for the auctioneer of the World War II: The Pacific Theatre auction held in New York City by Bonhams on 22 February 2013.
Provenance:
* Valley Forge Flag Company, 1944/45.
* United States Navy, 1945 - 1959.
* Unknown Collector
* Acquired by purchase by The War Museum of New York City, 1990s
* Sold via Bonham's of New York City, NY to Zaricor Flag Collection, 2013.
ZFC Significant Flag
Sources:
Flag Sizes, The Naval History and Heritage Command, 9 April 2013, from: http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq129-1.htm
NTP 13(B) Flags, Pennants & Customs manual, CNIC // Naval District Washington, 9 April 2013, from: http://www.cnic.navy.mil/NDW/About/CeremonialGuard/CeremonialGuidanceandResources/NTP13BFlagsPennantsCustoms/index.htm
Zaricor Flag Collection (ZFC) Archives, 2013.
Image Credits:
Zaricor Flag Collection
Bonhams
The War Museum, New York City
