Original WWII Era 48 Star Silk American Flag Theater Aviator Used Parade Size

Description

Here we have an original 48 star printed American parade size flag from the WWII era, 1937-1945.
It is approximately 11” X 7-1/2”. The edges are hemmed and it was kept in good condition.
Parade flags are typically small, generally 3" to about 3 ft. in length. They were printed on cotton, silk, wool, and sometimes paper. Parade flags were tacked or glued to a stick, intended to be waved, which is why these flags are also called hand-wavers. They were made for short term use at parades, political rallies, and other patriotic occasions.
This particular flag is different. It is made of silk and was part of a Flying Tiger’s AVG group of memorabilia, obtained from a meticulous collector along with numerous Blood Chits, and other aviation material. This collector did extensive research, making sure his collection contained only theater used WWII era objects.
We believe this flag was used along with a blood chit by an American aviator during WWII.
Silk was a commodity during the War, mostly used for parachutes and other necessary war materiel, while parade flags were usually made of cotton or printed. Silk was reserved for flags used in unique situations. Small silk flags were used by aviators during the War because they were easily concealable. There is extensive historic evidence flags made of silk were used in theater with blood chits*. While there are modern pins holes around the sewn perimeter of this flag from hanging, there is no evidence of it being tacked, glued, or nailed to a stick, like most parade flags. This also leads us to believe this WWII era flag was likely used along with a blood chit by an aviator in the U.S. military.
*During WWII blood chits were used extensively by pilots and other personnel in all theaters. They were a light weight easily concealable method of ID for soldiers when in jeopardy of being killed or captured. Blood Chits were made of fabric, paper, or leather (unofficial), were tracked by the govt’s which issued them, and had an official stamp. Most blood chits offered a reward to civilians if they assisted in a soldier’s safe passage. Many times these forms of ID were sewn on the outside or inside of a pilot’s jacket (or lining), or simply stuffed into a pocket for easy retrieval.
A usual WWII blood chit translation: This foreign person has come from America to help in the War effort. Soldiers and civilians together, should rescue, protect, provide him medical care, and can be rewarded for his safe return.
Unlike antique samplers and quilts many flags are expected to have been used outdoors. This subjected them to wind and water damage, and military use subjected them to more hazardous situations. That is why flags are not expected to be perfect. They often have rips, tears, stains, and foxing which reveals their history. For many collectors this adds to their appeal because their age is apparent in the worn, weathered, and much loved symbol of our great Nation. So while condition certainly plays a role in the value of a flag, it is far from the most important factor. A type of damage which would destroy the value of an early quilt for example, may be insignificant to the value of an American flag.
This flag has age toning, staining, wrinkles, pin holes on the edges (how it was once hanged), and a few imperfections. The condition of this flag does not detract from its value. Please see the photos for details.
The flag is in good condition, and in very good condition for display.
Please excuse any flash or shadows from photographic issues.
The flag is being sold in the modern floating frame it which it was received, which we believe adds the “Wow” factor when displayed in a collection, or even by itself.
Would make an terrific addition to any flag collection, an excellent item for the aviation / military memorabilia collector, or a wonderful gift for the WWII history enthusiast.
The Item Will Be Professionally Packaged, AND READY TO ADD TO YOUR COLLECTION OR GIVE AS A GIFT.
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