Lot 173

[FLAGS - WORLD WAR II]. 48-Star American parade flag from the US Military convoy that entered Berlin at the end of World War II. 1945.

Sale 1250 - American Historical Ephemera & Photography

Nov 30, 2023 10:00AM ET

Live / Cincinnati

Estimate

$500 - $1,000

Sold for $473

Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium

Lot Description

[FLAGS - WORLD WAR II]. 48-Star American parade flag from the US Military convoy that entered Berlin at the end of World War II. 1945.

10 x 14 in. flag comprised of sewn satin stripes with 48 embroidered stars configured in 8/8/8/8/8/8 pattern (some scattered holes, largest hole to the right of the canton). A cotton sleeve is sewn on the hoist end, with an enclosed cord with end hooks. Professionally mounted using stitch on board.

On 23 June 1945, a US military convoy entered Berlin to take control of the American sector of the city. In honor of the occasion, flags hand made in the nearby town of Halle were specially ordered for convoy vehicles. Colonel John J. McGinnis, a field officer with the Army’s military government operations, saved one of the flags as a souvenir of the historic event. He later bequeathed his flag to the National Museum of American History where it became part of the Smithsonian Institution exhibit July 1942: United We Stand, The Flag In World War II.

This is another example of the original convoy flags that were among the first to enter Berlin following the end of the Second World War.

This flag has been exhibited at several museums and is documented in the book The Stars and Stripes: Fabric of the American Spirit, Richard Pierce, LLC, 2005 (page 74).

J. Richard Pierce Collection of American Parade Flags

Condition Report

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Hindman staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Hindman website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Hindman.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.