Size: 101 x 146 inches

(8 feet 5 inches by 12 feet 2 inches)

Rare 'shortened' Type WWII US Naval Ensign.

Would have been flown and used on a large WWII Naval ships such as the Destroyer, Battleship, Carrier types. This flag would have been much to large for the LST or LCI's.

This extremely large WWII U.S. Navy flag shows some of the most heavy duty stitching and rare added U.S. Naval sailor handmade structural supports. This heavy duty WWII 48 star Naval flag shows extensive patchwork and stitching repairs. Repairs similar to this are seen on similar flags repaired in Navy shipyards as a ship is getting repaired following damage in a combat operation. However, there are documented accounts of similar stitch and patch repairs made on the ships as well. This flag is in good condition due to the time period repairs made to its cloth. It showcases a used, worn and sun/ocean stained appearance with repaired sections where the wind has frayed the cloth. These repairs can be seen on the blue section of the flag near one row of the 48 stars with quad (4) stitching running along the fabric in certain sections. The flag also shows added white thread hand sewn in to repair the red stripes, as well as extensive and heavy duty patch work on some sections of the white stripes. This unknown added white cloth was placed over the torn and frayed sections where the powerful winds and wear from  the ocean environment damaged the cloth. These repairs were done with extensively heavy cross stitch patterns and with the unidentified similar color white fabric added to repair the flag. This was most likely used as it was of similar color and readily available. 

While there are no visible factory and marker markings on this flag, they appear to be sun faded. This flag is  extremely massive and its size is similar to the documented flags used on large U.S. Naval battleships, destroyers, large vehicles transport ships, and aircraft carriers. While we will never know what ship this flag was used on, it remains a great piece of WWII Navy history.

The flag has a heavy duty wool bunting with sewn stripes & stars, finished with a roped canvas header with the original roped-off ends for masting. As an additional structural support, U.S. Navy sailors also added 3 heavy hand twisted metal loops (one on the top, middle, and bottom) for even more added protection and support from blowing winds. These were pierced through its fabric. The added metal ties show age and average rust.

*Please note the BLACK and WHITE photograph is a digital photo found through historical research of this flag and similar flag types.

This would make an amazing additional to any WWII, Navy or ship collection!