Original Item: Only One Available. This is an exquisite example of an early Republic of China flag, housed in a delicately crafted wooden display case that measures 24 inches in width and 18 inches in height. The flag came to our possession with a note card that stated it was "Captured" during the Yangtze River Patrol Service in 1926/27 by a US Sailor or Marine, indicating its historical significance. 

However, the flag is in an extremely fragile state, with heavy tearing, staining, and holes that have contributed to its worn-out condition. As a result, it is highly recommended that the flag remains in its current position or is moved to a more secure frame for display purposes. 

Despite its wear and tear, this early Republic of China flag remains a unique artifact of significant historical value, offering a glimpse into the tumultuous times of the early 20th century and the role of US Sailors and Marines in the Yangtze River Patrol Service.

A fantastic example that comes more than ready for further research and display.

Yangtze Patrol
The Yangtze Patrol, also known as the Yangtze River Patrol Force, Yangtze River Patrol, YangPat, and ComYangPat, was a prolonged naval operation from 1854 to 1949 to protect American interests in the Yangtze River's treaty ports. The Yangtze Patrol also patrolled the coastal waters of China where they protected U.S. citizens, their property, and Christian missionaries.

The Yangtze River is the longest river in China, and it plays an important commercial role, with ocean-bound vessels proceeding as far upstream as the city of Wuhan. This squadron-sized unit cruised the waters of the Yangtze from Shanghai on the Pacific Ocean into the far interior of China at Chongqing.

Initially, the Yangtze Patrol was formed from ships of the United States Navy and assigned to the East India Squadron. In 1868, patrol duties were carried out by the Asiatic Squadron of the United States Navy. Under the unequal treaties, the United States, Japan, and various European powers, especially the United Kingdom, which had been on the Yangtze since 1897, were allowed to cruise China's rivers.

In 1902, the United States Asiatic Fleet took control of the operations of the Yangtze Patrol.

In 1922, Yangtze Patrol was established as a formal component of the United States Navy in China.

In 1942, at the beginning of World War II, the Yangtze Patrol effectively ceased operations in China because of the limited resources of the United States Navy, which needed the patrol crews and their ships elsewhere in fighting Japanese forces throughout the Pacific.

Following the end of World War II, the Yangtze Patrol resumed its duties in 1945, but on a more limited basis with fewer ships during the Chinese Civil War. When the Chinese Communist forces eventually occupied the Yangtze River valley in 1949, the United States Navy permanently ceased operations and disbanded the Yangtze Patrol.