In my mind, summer is synonymous with American flags. They seem to epitomize summer for so many reasons.  First, summer unofficially starts on Memorial Day weekend.  We honor those who served our country by displaying flags.  Second, there is the 4th of July in which our patriotism is displayed via the flag.

Of course, I love old flags.  (Surprising, I know.)  Older flags seem steeped with character and grace.  Even with holes and tattered – they exude such a sense of confidence.  Newer flags are usually made out of nylon and/or polyester. Older flags are made out of natural materials such as cotton, wool and linen. Another sign of an older flag is that the stars are usually sewn on or embroidered.

Flags that are from the 19th century can be difficult to find and can be costly. However, you can still find flags that were made around the turn of the century that are affordable.  It takes some looking and some persistence, but they can be found.  One of my favorite flags to look for are those with 48 stars.  The banner flag in the photo above is one such example. These flags were made between 1912 and 1959.  The flag shown above has some holes in its stars.  Still, I love it.  The holes and thin material only convey a sense of authenticity.

Vintage flags are also fun to collect.  These typically have 50 stars but are made from a sturdy cotton weave.  The stars are often embroidered onto the flags or sewn onto them.  Valley Forge and Storm King are two popular brands of flags. If you are lucky, you can find a vintage flag with its original box!

Another benefit of collecting old flags is that they come in a variety of styles and sizes.  The most common size is 3 feet by 5 feet, although you can buy them in sizes that are much larger.  Last year I sold a flag that was almost 9 feet long.  I had a difficult time finding a wall that was wide enough to accommodate the flag!

At the other end of the spectrum you can collect parade flags or hand held flags.  These always look cheerful in a pitcher or in a vase.  I love the soft and gentle fabric of these older and smaller flags.

So there you have it.  A quick overview of American flags.  Now that summer is officially here, we have the perfect reason to display our flags.  If you want more information on collecting older flags, here is a website by Worthpoint that provides a variety of useful information.

Thank you for stopping by the blog today.  If you know anything further about flags, please share your knowledge with me!  I am always looking to learn more about them.