Original Item: Only One Available. The ensign of the United States is the flag of the United States when worn as an ensign (a type of maritime flag identifying nationality, usually flown from the stern of a ship or boat, or from an installation or facility of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, United States Coast Guard or the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration ashore). International maritime law—see International Treaty on Law of the Sea, articles 91 and 92—provides that vessels have a "national character" and thus should display a flag (ensign) that corresponds to this national character, especially when in international or foreign waters. Vessels that are formally documented under the federal vessel documentation act, vessels owned by government bodies in the United States, and vessels in the U.S. military unquestionably have U.S. national character, and thus properly hoist a U.S. ensign to show their national character. Vessels that are numbered by the states (see 46 USC section 411) and small, non-registered craft owned by U.S. citizens and not registered in other countries may also hoist a U.S. ensign to show their national character.

The U.S. Yacht Ensign is often used in place of the national flag by U.S. pleasure craft when operating within U.S. waters; this flag was legally required for licensed yachts from 1848-1980, and the practice continues among all U.S. pleasure craft in U.S. waters by longstanding historical use and custom. Additionally, a few smaller pleasure craft operated by members of the United States Power Squadrons will fly the U.S. Power Squadrons flag as an ensign in inland waters in lieu of the national flag. All vessels of U.S. national character should display the national ensign when operating in international and non-U.S. waters.

This is a service used World War Two Era 48 Star American Flag, in a large but displayable 43" x 58". The flag body is of multi-piece wool construction, with the stars separate pieces sewn on, with a sturdy 2 inch canvas bunting header. It has 4 evenly spaced brass grommets for hoist purposes. There is a manufacturer’s label on the header, indicating manufacture by the Valley Forge Flag Company.

Valley Forge Flag Company was founded in 1882, and remains a family-owned business to this day. Steeped in history, the company began as a burlap sack business, and then moved on to World War I surplus, including American flags. With increasing demand the company opened a small sewing factory in Spring City, PA in 1932. The opening of this factory was the beginning of the Valley Forge Flag brand.
The flag does show wear, and definitely had a long service life. There are some stains, fading and tearing on the ends, as seen with most ship flown flags. It has the usual age toning, so the white is now somewhat beige. A very nice example, ready to become the backdrop for your WWII display!