Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice World War Two Era Gold Fringe 48 Star American Flag, in a nice displayable 53 x 68" size. The flag body is of multi-piece cotton bunting construction, with the stars sewn on. It has the standard leather tabs at either end of the header for flying the flag.

The flag does show some wear, with some scattered mothing but no major damage. It has the usual age toning, so the white is now somewhat beige. A very nice example, ready to be properly displayed!

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.

According to The American Legion, gold fringe has been used in American flags since the 1830s. In the late 1800s, it was adopted for use in the Army. All regiments of the U.S. Army soon began using them. The U.S. Army Regulation Code even includes a section about the gold fringe. According to the Code, gold fringe should be used in American flags that are displayed either indoors or outdoors.

Of course, if you look through the U.S. Flag Code – the federal law governing the display, maintenance and retirement of the American flag – you won’t find any mention of gold fringe. Neither older versions of the U.S. Flag Code nor the current version mention anything about gold fringe. Considering that the U.S. Flag Code is designed specifically for the American flag, you might be wondering why it doesn’t mention anything about it. Unfortunately, it’s not known why the U.S. Flag Code doesn’t discuss the American flag’s gold fringe. We only know that it was originally used in American flags displayed by the U.S. Army.

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.