Military Burial Flag

Military Burial Flag

Introduction

Military flags often must be made to exacting specifications of the United States government and the Armed Forces. They are a point of pride for owners, veterans and active duty service people, as well as anyone with the privilege of seeing them fly. Our craftspeople are proud to construct these meaningful flags. Understanding the fabrics and sewing techniques used to make American flags is an essential part of identifying and evaluating antique American flags.  New collectors, and even experienced collectors, may have difficulty differentiating between different fabrics, especially if they are blended.  Forensic examination of flags, to the level of examining the fibers of the fabrics themselves, and the threads used to sew the flags, helps identify the period of the materials used and usually is a good indicator of the period of a flag (though not necessarily, in the case of a forgery). After 1840 and the advent of printed flags, decorative flags were more often printed on fabric, rather than sewn. Many collectors limit themselves to printed parade flags (hand-wavers), precisely because of their small size. Many examples have beautiful star patterns and are highly sought after. We frame them very precisely in a conservation manner, most often using a frame that was made during or before the time that the flag was made. Many of the flags I use are actually earlier than the flag itself and I am especially fond of early surfaces (original patina). Parade flags typically range in size from about 3" to about 3' in length. (Friedman, 2008)

American Flags come in a variety of materials including Polyester, Nylon and Cotton. Some flag fabrics aren't suitable for certain uses, climates or weather conditions. For example a flag designed for indoor use is not durable enough to be flown outside and will not last. Choosing a flag of the right material will assure it a longer lifespan with less wear and tear. (Miles, 2011)

Polyester

Polyester is an economical material great for making light-weight flags that will fly in very little wind. The low price makes polyester flags perfect for temporary use, special occasions and events. Flags can be printed on regular polyester or Superknit. Superknit is more durable. The Sewn/Spun Polyester flag is the most durable flag on the market! Its heavy weight resists high winds, while the open weave of the fabric reduces stress and wear. It also resists fading and fraying. Because of its weight, it takes more wind to fly, but it can be flown 24/7. The material resembles a coarse cotton. A flag made by the piecing, stitching, appliqué and/or embroidery of any combination of fabrics. (Mossman, 1991) Walter Hunt built the first crank-operated American sewing machine in 1833-34. Elias Howe, of Massachusetts, completed his first mechanized sewing machine prototype in 1844, and it was issued an American patent in 1846. Because of problems marketing his invention, Howe went to London to further develop the machine. Treadle sewing machines were first mass-produced in 1855 by American, Issac ...