Another interesting item from my collection? If such a post is not allowed please let me know. This was purchased from the same estate several years ago as the Edelweiss patch I have posted. I believe (without going and measuring it in my footlocker...) it is about 3'x4'. It has grommets on each corner, and is a single sided flag. I was told it was a vehicle flag and the grommets were to secure it over the hood or such. Someone told me (without actually having seen it) that it is more likely a NSDPA flag than any sort of combat flag? Please tell me what this is or any info you have that could help... Grommet on corner (without flash)
It looks a bit 'new' to be 70 odd years old to me. If it is only one sided I suspect it is more likely to be a banner rather than a flag - I'm no expert mind. Regards Andy
If the rings are chromo finished it is modern , if they are brass - most likely to be period , usually made from cotton material. Most flags will have that age smell which is almost impossible to replicate , good clean examples can still be found. A vehicle recognition flag (IMHO). (I have a few similar items in a photo album in my profile page). This Rk flag is a mint example which was never used.
It looks a bit 'new' to be 70 odd years old to me. You can't really tell just by eye with fabrics, particularly from a flash photo; there are items of clothing in assorted British museums that are centuries old. Many of them look like they were made yesterday. I suspect James is on the money with an aircraft recognition flag. Something like this: ~A
If the rings are chromo finished it is modern , if they are brass - most likely to be period , usually made from cotton material. Most flags will have that age smell which is almost impossible to replicate , good clean examples can still be found. A vehicle recognition flag (IMHO). (I have a few similar items in a photo album in my profile page). This Rk flag is a mint example which was never used. You can't really tell just by eye with fabrics, particularly from a flash photo; there are items of clothing in assorted British museums that are centuries old. Many of them look like they were made yesterday. I suspect James is on the money with an aircraft recognition flag. Something like this: ~A I would agree that it is a Recognition Flag against friendly air attack and also showing Recce planes how far forward the advance is. Regards Tom
No. There's a precise set of flag terminology. This isn't really a banner (outside of something in plasticised fabric from a modern copy-shop). Dictionary of Vexillology: B (Banner)
Andy this is a banner . 20ft plus Adma is right about flash , it can make the faded look bright . even one which is almost "pink". This smaller one I bought from a gent in the US , he told me it was faded and the flash free photos were sent to illustrate the degree of fade.
Yes Von Poop that is what I was told it was... but wasn't sure. Haven't seen a picture like that...pretty sweet! And Yes I'm positive this to be an original, just incredibly flash washed, etc... Brass grommets and all, hardly faded but tid bit.... Also has that wonderful smell. So are these common then?
They come up on a fairly regular basis and are not uncommon. I would not buy a flag in the UK - dealers want insane money for them , much better VFM in the US even when you do the postage. Not sure what you mean when you say "flash washed" , never wash flags it ruins them.
Blimey, that is a serious display, James! (should you scrub the number plate in image 1?) all the best
James, What are the deeper red patches at each corner? Reinforcements or repair patches? Just intrigued as I have never seen one so close up before. Regards Tom
