Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice Spanish American War 45 Star American Flag, in a nice displayable 73” x 116” size. This design of the flag was in use from July 4, 1896 to July 3, 1908, when Oklahoma was officially made part of the country. The flag body is of multi-piece wool construction, with the canvas stars sewn on, with a white canvas header and plated brass grommets on the top and bottom corners of the hoist side.

The flag is in very good condition considering that it is over 100 years old, and does not show any signs of major abuse. However time and wear have led to fraying and holes in the wool body, and the colors have faded over time as well.

Comes ready to display.

The general rule of thumb is that cotton flags were issued during WWII and nylon flags were issued during the Korean War. Flags made prior to WWII were made of a wool blend. This flag is made from multiple pieces of fabric, with sewn on white stars and zinc grommets.

Condition is very good, with the expected age toning and wear from service, as shown.

Honoring the Flag Code
On June 22, 1942, Congress passed a joint resolution, later amended on December 22, 1942, that encompassed what has come to be known as the U.S. Flag Code.
Perhaps the most important guideline involves how citizens should behave around the Stars and Stripes: The flag of the United States is the emblem of our identity as a sovereign nation, which the United States of America has been for more than 200 years.

Therefore, members of the armed services and veterans are asked to stand at attention and salute when their flag is passing in a parade or being hoisted or lowered; civilians should place their right hand over their heart.

General Guidelines for Displaying the Flag:
-When the flag is hung vertically on a wall, window, or door, the Union (blue section) should be to the observer’s left. When the flag is hung either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the Union should be to the observer’s left.
-In a procession, the American flag should be to the right (the flag’s own right) of any other flag or, if in a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.
When displayed from a staff projecting from a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff.

-When the flag is displayed otherwise than by being flown from a staff, it should be displayed flat, whether indoors or out; or so suspended that its folds fall as freely as though the flag were staffed.

-When displayed over a street, the flag should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street, or to the east in a north and south street.
-On a platform, the flag should be above and behind the speaker, with the union uppermost and to the observer’s left.

-When displayed from a staff in a church or auditorium, the flag should occupy the position of honor and be placed at the speaker’s right as he faces the audience.
-When the flag is used to cover a casket, the union should be at the head and over the left shoulder.

How Not to Display the American Flag
-The flag and its likeness should be treated with respect. Its image should not be cheapened or tarnished by improper use.

-The flag should not be dipped to any person or thing, including government officials—even the President.

-The flag should never be displayed with the union (stars) down, unless as a signal of dire distress.

-The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.

-The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.

-The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored so that it might be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.

-The flag should never be used as covering for a ceiling.

-The flag should never have anything placed on it.

-The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose, nor embroidered on cushions or handkerchiefs, printed on paper napkins or boxes, nor used as any portion of a costume.