AllExperts > Flags 
Search      
Flags
Volunteer
Answers to thousands of questions
 Home · More Flags Questions · Question Library  · Free Encyclopedia ·
More Flags Answers
Question Library

Ask a question about Flags
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login

Awards

About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer

 
 
 
About Albert Kirsch
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
I am more-or-less expert in vexillology (the study of flags). My expertise is particularly strong in North America at the level of city and county, but if I don`t know the answer I know a dozen people who do. So if there`s a flag in the newspaper or on TV that you have trouble identifying, let me know. I`ll do my best. But PLEASE DO NOT ASK ME TO APPRAISE A FLAG'S VALUE: (1) I have no expertise in that area and (2) even if I did, I cannot appraise something I can't see. Take it to a museum which has a specialist in textiles and the like.

Experience
In this field, I designed the flag of Carroll County, Illinois, in 1974 (see http://www.internetni.com/~lanarklib/index.html). You can see my personal flag at http://www.nava.org/memflags.htm
   

You are here:  Experts > Science > Geography > Flags

Questions Answered By Expert  Albert Kirsch 
In Category  Flags

SubjectDate Asked

us flag along side of canadian flag11/22/2009
  Q: I live in Florida , as a CANADIAN , I want to have the canadian flag flying, but also would like to ...
  A: The official protocol is for the host US flag to be in the senior position, by which is meant the ...
ww2 german flag11/21/2009
  Q: what is the value of an old ww2 German flag that is very large red in color with a white circle in ...
  A: Please re-read my profile: I don't do appraisals. What you have is the everyday national flag and I ...
Gold Star American Flags11/13/2009
  Q: Did you ever learn more about American Flags with 48 gold stars. I saw someone asked about that but ...
  A: Never did hear anything more; again, the only place I've heard of it is on this board and on the ...
Putting a 4ft antenna on top a flagpole11/3/2009
  Q: Legally, can a 4ft vertical antenna be put at the top of a 15 - 20 foot flag pole? I have been ...
  A: "Legally", yes. Flag protocol does not actually have the force fo law because there is no penalty ...
flags11/3/2009
  Q: when other countries (Canada, Germany, Sweden) are at an equine competition in the United States how ...
  A: In the US it is customary to display our flag first and then all other national flags ...
Gold Stripes on American Flag10/24/2009
  Q: I have a flag I received at my uncle's funeral in 1955. This is THE flag that was placed on his ...
  A: >>My gut instinct was to guess fading or running of nearby red stripes (red dyes are notorious for ...
First American Flag10/23/2009
  Q: When was it Made? Who made the 13 Colony flag?
  A: On 14 June 1777 Congress approved a design for the national flag. The wording was vague, not ...
flag identity10/18/2009
  Q: My neighbor has a flag in his front yard that I cannot identiy. It has three horizontal stripes-red, ...
  A: I suspected as much. It is the "service flag", flown by the parents (usually) of someone in the ...
flag pole and flag chain etiquette...10/16/2009
  Q: At a local public school, the students raise and lower the flag. Many parents are vets and current ...
  A: Other than the last sentence I am not sure what your question is. If you need to instruct the kids ...
13 Star flag higher than 50 star flag10/14/2009
  Q: Can a 13 star flag be flown higher than the standard 50 star flag? We have a situation where there ...
  A: All the protocol manuals ever written cannot cover every conceivable eventuality, and this is one of ...
Angle of gaff9/22/2009
  Q: We have just placed a nautical flagpole in our small seaport town of picton - New Zealand. A ...
  A: Strictly speaking, a gaff is not formally a part of a flagpole but rather a spar set aft from the ...
Old Flag9/21/2009
  Q: 48 star,tag saying perm-nyl 100% nylon, Valley Forge Flag co., Spring city Pa., It measures 39"X83", ...
  A: Nylon was invented in 1935, and the 48-star flag went out with the admission of Hawaii in 1959. So ...
PRC Flag celebration within Ellipse9/11/2009
  Q: http://world.globaltimes.cn July 13 states that on September 20, 2009 to show love of motherland, ...
  A: This is a political statement, not a question involving flag expertise. China is a country with whom ...
I have a 48 star flag 3x5 oder of the moose9/9/2009
  Q: i have a 3x5 48 star flag it use to be longs to the order of the moose lodge. What type of value is ...
  A: Probably not much. But if you read my profile, I said I don't do appraisals. I have no expertise and ...
Flag Protocol - Are we at War?9/4/2009
  Q: I have a questions regarding the proper display of the US Flag. The American Flag section does not ...
  A: To my knowledge, the US is not at war with any foreign state, so the question is moot. Our ...
48-star flag8/30/2009
  Q: I have a 48 star flag that is size 2 1/2 x 4 stamped on it and I can't make out the first word but ...
  A: All you're citing is the manufacturer's stamp and the registration with the patent office. Not much ...
How to fly American Flag from your home8/22/2009
  Q: Could you please help us solve a family argument. We have a close relative who tells us that the ...
  A: In a perfect world, I suppose he's right. The "bearer" of the flag (in this case your house) would ...
metal flags8/13/2009
  Q: I have some 48 star (approx. 3" x 5") metal flags that my uncle who owned a chevron station gave me. ...
  A: Not much. They're not rare, just old. Keep some as souvenirs and see what you can get for the rest ...
Displaying flag 24/78/10/2009
  Q: I live in a gated community and many many of my neighbors display the American Flag from a built in ...
  A: In a word, yes. When flags were made of wool or cotton they were taken in, but now with all-weather ...
British Flag8/7/2009
  Q: I wonder if you can help me with this above-mentioned flag. Here's what I know: It is a Union Jack ...
  A: Carbon-14 has a half-life of 5000 years or so, so I wouldn't use it to date something 100 years old ...
flagpole placement8/6/2009
  Q: My home is over 100' from the highway. I am considering placing a flagpole either 30' from the ...
  A: The "right-hand rule" applies most strictly when there's more than one pole. But even so, what if ...
"foreign" state flag on private property7/15/2009
  Q: I am in New York City, and hanging over a neighboring street (public) is the Puerto Rican Flag. ...
  A: Here is the best reply I've seen to the question about flying any flag on public property in NY: ...
48 star Flag7/11/2009
  Q: I have an old 48 star flag with 2 colors of stars. Just curious if you can supply a year that this ...
  A: My guess is that one side of the flag may have been exposed to the sun too long and the stars ...
flying state flag with US flag7/5/2009
  Q: I was told that because Texas was once an independant county it was the only state flag that is ...
  A: Not true. All state flags may be flown at the same height as the US flag. In a display of all 50 ...
Flag position6/29/2009
  Q: We have a new memorial with three poles, the center being the highest. The American flag will go in ...
  A: It matters, officially. The state flag is senior to the POW/MIA flag, so it gets pride of place, ...
WW2 coffin flag with only 13 stars6/27/2009
  Q: My uncle died in WW2 while serving in the navy. He was an armed guard aboard a freighter bound from ...
  A: I honestly don't know that; I never heard of such a thing. I will post it to two lists I know and if ...
finial6/26/2009
  Q: Are there certain items historically placed inside a finial?
  A: The short answer is "No." So is the long answer. One of the most amusing urban legends, which ...
flag placement6/23/2009
  Q: I have four (4) flags and am unsure how to place them on our house. The flags are: American flag, ...
  A: Not a single protocol manual deals with the Confederate flag. In any event, if it's the "cross and ...
Flags given at funerals6/20/2009
  Q: My grandfather was in WW1 and died in Nove 21 1965, why was he presented a 48 state flag?
  A: When was the flag presented? The 48-star flag was the one he fought under and if he got it anytime ...
WW2 German Flag6/17/2009
  Q: How can you tell a real WW2 German Flag from a repro?
  A: I really have very little experience with that. Look for wear and tear, of course, and if it's ...
National Anthem6/16/2009
  Q: Isn't it proper to sing during the rendition of the National Anthem? Over the last few years I have ...
  A: That's not a flag-related question, really, but I'll give it a shot: Nothing wrong with it. I don't ...
Displaying The US Flag6/14/2009
  Q: Community I live in (Senior Manufactured Home Park) has our asst. mgr. displaying the the flag ...
  A: The inverted US flag is, as I expect you know, a distress signal (in US waters only; it is not ...
Idenify a flag6/2/2009
  Q: I have a neighbor that displays a tri-color horizontal flag on holidays along with the us flag. The ...
  A: The "thin blue line" of the police. Your neighbor is either a police officer or a close ...
Proper flag display in front of building6/1/2009
  Q: Sir, I would like to know the proper way to display two country flags, three state flags and an ...
  A: That's a tough one. (a) You aren't in the US, though I infer from what you write about "our" HQ that ...
Flying foreign flags in US6/1/2009
  Q: I read the question and answer about the Canadian flag flying in the US. Does this mean that we have ...
  A: All the laws and regulations apply to government installations (civilian and military); their ...
two flags6/1/2009
  Q: I have a nice 13 star flag and would like to fly it under the 50 star flag. Is it wrong to fly two ...
  A: Interesting. All the protocol manuals I've seen address displaying the US flag with those of other ...
Flying foreign flags in US5/31/2009
  Q: I read the question and answer about the Canadian flag flying in the US. Does this mean that we ...
  A: You're not asking me for an expert opinion; you're asking me for a personal opinion. Not the same ...
Flag in church5/29/2009
  Q: Regarding your response to the question of the US flag being senior to a Christian Flag or any other ...
  A: In a foreign country that country's flag has priority. Did you think the French or the Chinese or ...
Flag in church5/28/2009
  Q: Regarding your response to the question of the US flag being senior to a Christian Flag or any other ...
  A: You are correct about Navy protocol: If and only if a religious service is held while a ship is ...
nazi flag5/27/2009
  Q: My grandfather brought a nazi flag back from WWII. He never really talked about the war, but the ...
  A: That's a Hitler Youth ("Hitlerjugend") flag. Absent grommets, and given the size you describe, it ...
German Swastika flag from a school5/27/2009
  Q: I was wondering if you knew anything about the flags that where flown in front of schools that had ...
  A: Here's what my German correspondents report: --------------------------------------- From Marcus ...
flags to hang for my brother5/25/2009
  Q: I need to know what the flag looks like that I should be hanging for my brother that is leaving ...
  A: I'm not sure I follow; the stars and stripes should be just fine. There is (I think!) an Army ...
other country's flag5/22/2009
  Q: should a restaurant in the United States of America fly a flag from Cuba without flying an American ...
  A: I live in Miami; it happens all the time [s]. Near me there's a Peruvian restaurant that flies two ...
U.S. flag for a widow5/18/2009
  Q: This may sound strange, but it is respectfully asked. My father-in-law was recently buried with full ...
  A: The protocol manuals never anticipated this; it's unusual. It's also very intensely personal to you ...
military flags5/12/2009
  Q: I want to display the marine, army, navy, air force and the army national guard flags with my ...
  A: The US flag goes in the middle only if that pole is higher than the others or if the poles are ...
Displaying the US flag wrong5/12/2009
  Q: We have a new village hall in my town and there is three flag poles all the same height. I know that ...
  A: You are right. You can refer them to the US Flag Code, Title IV US Code, available at the Cornell ...
american flag5/11/2009
  Q: i just purchased a 48 state american flag with ensign 5-9-5 printed on its edge.it has two heavy ...
  A: Only a guess, but the USS Plunger, SS 595, is a submarine. But I doubt she would have flown a ...
Displaying multiple flags on same pole4/28/2009
  Q: Can you tell me the proper distance between each flag? I understand the U.S. flag goes on top & the ...
  A: The distance should be short; you don't want the state flag looking like it's at half-staff. No ...
placement of the American flag4/28/2009
  Q: When placing the American flag in the council chambers on stage behind the speaker where do you ...
  A: The general rule is that the national flag stands at its own right. Ergo: it will be to the ...
flag design4/25/2009
  Q: I was wondering if you knew anything about a 13 star flag that is a circle of 8 stars, 1 larger one ...
  A: I have seen it before but don't recall where. There was no standard pattern of stars (or stripes!) ...
Tall Ship flags/burgees4/13/2009
  Q: I am designing/sewing a pennant to fly on a tall ship. It will be about 15 ft. long, green and ...
  A: That was a tough one, and I posted it to the list that manages the Flags of the World website. Chris ...
flag pole placement4/7/2009
  Q: We are installing 2 flag poles. When I stand in front of them, should one of them be taller then the ...
  A: The US flag should be on your left as you view the flags, so if one pole must be taller that's the ...
flagpole etiquette question3/20/2009
  Q: I have a question regarding flagpole etiquitte. Details: In Canada Ontario Government office ...
  A: Tell them to shell out the money and fix the thing. That's the problem. Protocol manuals (US or ...
old flag3/17/2009
  Q: i have a flag that has been passed down through my family. it as thirteen stars twelve in a circle ...
  A: This is a statement, not a question. The star pattern is that of the "Cowpens flag", but why only 7 ...
Canadian flags flying below US flag at American malls3/15/2009
  Q: In Washington state, many malls and market places are visited by Canadian customers who are ...
  A: You are correct, and the Canadian consul in Seattle (or wherever) should address this. While the US ...
13 star flag3/13/2009
  Q: can you help identify this flag, very fragile and looks homespun. thank you
  A: The design is that of the top half of the "Hopkinson" flag, a design which, unlike the "Betsy Ross", ...
13 star flag3/11/2009
  Q: i have an old 13 star flag w/8 stars in a circle one in each corner and one in the center. it ...
  A: What is your question? If you need an appraisal, contact Dave Martucci (vex@vexman.net). Actually, ...
Nazi Flag3/11/2009
  Q: I would like to take a picture of this Nazi flag I have an send it to you a friend said its an ...
  A: I beleive AllExperts allows pictures now; I don't know how to do it but I've gotten some. Or, you ...
Displaying International Flags3/8/2009
  Q: When displaying international flags on separate staffs on a stage behind a speaker with the US flag ...
  A: Good question. Use the informal name, so that China is under C and not P (People's Republic of ...
48 star American Flag 3x5 wool bunting3/2/2009
  Q: Found it at a garage sale. Where do you suppose it originated. Could it be a military units flag ...
  A: Frankly I have no clue. Believe it or not, the US is awash in 3x5 48-star flags, most of which are ...
Nazi Flags2/18/2009
  Q: I have what I think is a Nazi State Service flag. How do I know whether this flag is authentic and ...
  A: Hard for me to say: to check authenticity, look at the material (nylon? not.) and see if there's a ...
nazi flags2/10/2009
  Q: i have 3 flags i have been told came from hitlers yacht how would i go about verifying the truth of ...
  A: Tracing the provenance (chain of ownership) of such things is difficult if there's no written ...
Multiple Flag Placement on a single pole1/27/2009
  Q: We have three flags that we hang on a single pole at work. the American Flag, The Nevada State flag ...
  A: Right the first time. The so-called POW flag has zero official status. It is the flag of a private ...
Display of all state flags1/21/2009
  Q: The lobby of a building at the USNA in Annapolis MD was recently renovated. When displaying all 50 ...
  A: Well, I don't have the USN Protocol Manual before me :-) But if you can't get all 50 state flags on ...
A different1/19/2009
  Q: My flag bears the same label as the previous poster's, with a tiny red "VF-5" in the upper right ...
  A: I doubt the companies' records are on-line -- their web sites are intended to generate sales, not to ...
A different "PIONEER" flag1/18/2009
  Q: My flag bears the same label as the previous poster's, with a tiny red "VF-5" in the upper right ...
  A: No idea, really, but it's probably modern, not an actual 18th-Century "Bennington" flag, which ...
swastika flag1/15/2009
  Q: i have a circa 1934 swastika flag it measure 3'5"x2'5" its in good shape and the swastika measures ...
  A: In my profile it says "But PLEASE DO NOT ASK ME TO APPRAISE A FLAG'S VALUE: (1) I have no expertise ...
flag height1/14/2009
  Q: I've been told that the only time a US Flag is flown lower than another flag is aboard ship when the ...
  A: In the US, yes. At organizations etc where the US is not paramount (UN, NATO, etc) the US flag is ...
Identification of a German Flag1/10/2009
  Q: I recently was given a flag that a friend's father 'liberated' during WWII. I am trying to identify ...
  A: Perhaps it was a Hungarian embassy or consulate? Your original question refers only to a "government ...
Foreign flag etiquette in U.S.1/5/2009
  Q: I have discovered a Canadian flag that has been erected on a prominent hillside in our area. This is ...
  A: This changes things a little bit: the land is public and it's not a Canadian hangout. I think the ...
Brown Stripe on flag1/4/2009
  Q: I have a 48-star American flag that I rescued from a trash pile 10 years ago. It was folded in a ...
  A: Annin is a major flag manufacturer. The color of the sripe dug up from a trash bin is nothing more ...
Foreign flag etiquette in U.S.1/3/2009
  Q: I have discovered a Canadian flag that has been erected on a prominent hillside in our area. This is ...
  A: If you insist on making an issue of it, then your last paragraph should be amended: You write "I ...
flag identification/value1/2/2009
  Q: I have a flag that has "5' x 9' 8" P IQ D stamped on it and has large metal grommets to attach to ...
  A: I assume you're talking about a US flag. As my profile reads, nobody can do appraisals without ...
Foreign flag etiquette in U.S.1/2/2009
  Q: I have discovered a Canadian flag that has been erected on a prominent hillside in our area. This is ...
  A: Unfortunately the protocol manuals cannot anticipate every situation. Since there is only one pole, ...
POW flag12/30/2008
  Q: If a POW flag is flown 24-hours per day, must it be lit at night?
  A: No. Frankly, there are no rules regarding the POW/MIA flag. It is the flag of a private ...
military flag12/28/2008
  Q: I purchased a small flag at an antique store about a week ago. The store clerk didn't have any ...
  A: Here is (edited) the most definitive answer I got. Apparently it is not at all military: ...
military flag12/27/2008
  Q: I purchased a small flag at an antique store about a week ago. The store clerk didn't have any ...
  A: I received this reply from one expert: "Perhaps, but if the colors in the photograph accurately ...
13 Star American Flag-Rough Riders12/19/2008
  Q: My family has past down a 13 star American flag from my great grand father for generations. ...
  A: Since the 13-star flag was utterly unofficial in 1898, I doubt it's worth much except as a ...
Flag Preservation12/18/2008
  Q: My grandmother died and had 2 flags from the early 40's which was given to me. I wanted to display ...
  A: Unless they are in unusually fragile condition, any commercial framing store ought to be able to ...
Unusual Nazi flag12/17/2008
  Q: I've always been a bit of a WWII buff, and a friend of mine recently showed me a Nazi flag that is ...
  A: Check Dave Martucci's website (www.vexman.net) -- he's the only person I know who does appraisals. ...
American Flag at Half Mast12/1/2008
  Q: Is it OK to fly a flag at a business, at half mast when the father of the owner dies?
  A: It's not customary to fly the national flag at half-staff for a private individual, even on his own ...
49 star flag11/30/2008
  Q: We found an original 49 star flag at a flea market a couple of years ago. Approx, how many of these ...
  A: I have no idea, but the number is large. According to Dave Martucci's website (and he's the expert: ...
Flag position in parades11/24/2008
  Q: I am a member of the American Legion Riders. We ride in a lot of parades and recently a question ...
  A: The doggone thing about military and diplomatic protocol manuals is that they construct the ...
US Flag11/18/2008
  Q: It is legal to fly a US Flag on the top of a 300' Water Tower?
  A: Yes. Having said that, what will it look like? This is an esthetic judgment, not a legal or expert ...
A rare piece of American history is up for sale.11/14/2008
  Q: A rare piece of American history is up for sale. And I think it should be owned by the U.S. ...
  A: Well, I don't have the facts from other sources. The evidence to provide -- and probably not to me ...
A rare piece of American history is up for sale.11/14/2008
  Q: A rare piece of American history is up for sale. And I think it should be owned by the U.S. ...
  A: I visited the site. If it can be shown that the committee which approved the final design signed by ...
A rare piece of American history is up for sale.11/14/2008
  Q: A rare piece of American history is up for sale. And I think it should be owned by the U.S. ...
  A: Sorry, but I don't do advertising. I strongly doubt there is such a thing as the "original 50-star ...
coffin flags11/13/2008
  Q: My question is: I'm a ready to display the flag from my husband's coffin. I want a plaque engraved ...
  A: I'd guess you can put anything you like there. It might read something like: "Lt Cdr Joe Smith, ...
48 star 4'x6' "defiance" from father11/7/2008
  Q: I will try to keep this short...!! I inherited a flag from my Father, who was an officer in the Army ...
  A: If you've already had three antique dealers with WWII expertise look at it there's nothing I can ...
The correct placement of the American flag with seasonal flags11/3/2008
  Q: I have a home with a 40 foot front porch. It has 5 posts. A walkway/ramp goes between two of these ...
  A: As long as the US flag is to the viewer's left, you can put other flags to the right. I'm not sure ...
Stars in International Flags10/27/2008
  Q: This may not be the type of question normally answered in this category, but I figured you would be ...
  A: Stars never appeared, as far as I know, before 1777 here in the US. At least they were not at all ...
flar10/25/2008
  Q: I HAVE A FLAG APPROX 42" >72" the body is red and it has a 6"black stripe boardered by 1.5"white ...
  A: Oh mercy; I think you have the national flag of Trinidad and Tobago. If the black stripe is too ...
flar10/22/2008
  Q: I HAVE A FLAG APPROX 42" >72" the body is red and it has a 6"black stripe boardered by 1.5"white ...
  A: I've never seen that one before but will try to scrounge an ID for you from a mailing list I'm on. ...
color protocol10/20/2008
  Q: I am researching the different protocols of each state flag, I have found that Maryland has specific ...
  A: Offhand I don't know. You might wish to browse fotw.net state-by-state (that's where I'd go to ...
Flag identification10/19/2008
  Q: I am from England and have been trying to identify a flag, found in the attic, to no avail. I think ...
  A: I'm sure it is a Nazi flag, but the Nazis were such vexillological nut-cases that they had a flag ...
48-Star US Naval Ensign10/11/2008
  Q: I recently purchased two 48-Star US flags out of an estate in Maine. Reportedly, these flags were ...
  A: Here's the answer I got from Joe. Compare yours to his description and take it from there: "I know ...
48-Star US Naval Ensign10/11/2008
  Q: I recently purchased two 48-Star US flags out of an estate in Maine. Reportedly, these flags were ...
  A: Yes they could be, but not pre-1912, since AZ and NM were admitted then. As for the dimensions, ...
U.S. Flagpole protocol10/8/2008
  Q: At my work for the last 3 years at this time, the company has decorated with fall items, mums, ...
  A: Protocol manuals tell us how to erect flagpoles and which flag flies from which pole. Unfortunately ...
Military and Christian flag10/3/2008
  Q: Is it appropriate for representatives of the U.S. military to carry a Christian flag in a parade?
  A: Not if the parade is sponsored by the military or a non-sectarian veteran's organization (Legion, ...
historical US flags10/1/2008
  Q: Are all officially recognized US flags entitled to the same rules and regs. - I.E., are they all ...
  A: All old flags should be disposed of the same as a 50-star flag. If a 48-star flag (say) is the only ...
Posting of US and State Flags on Stage9/29/2008
  Q: Is it proper to preposition Service Flags on a stage, then as part of the ceremony to post only the ...
  A: By service flags do you mean army, navy, air force, etc., or do you mean the blue-star flags of ...
World Flags Collage9/25/2008
  Q: Our church would like to create a display of flags from all the countries where we have ...
  A: In a word, no. It's funny; we Americans go absolutely nuts over flag protocol and the protocol ...
Disposing of a Christian Flag9/23/2008
  Q: We recently purchased a new Christian Flag for our sanctuary. How do we dispose of the original one? ...
  A: I could find nothing on this. Your best bet would be to dispose of it as you would an American flag, ...
1870 Flag - Preservation9/22/2008
  Q: My family has been in possession of a 1870s United States flag for more than 50 years. The flag most ...
  A: I'm no expert on flag preservation, alas. Nor do I know central NJ, having left NYC in 1971. ...
48 star flag9/18/2008
  Q: I have a 48 star flag that is 5 X 9 1/2 Ft. It has a marking that says Page corporation San Juan ...
  A: That size flag is an "interment flag", intended for use over a casket. If you couldn't find Page ...
WWII Burial Flag?9/17/2008
  Q: My great uncle was a military pilot, killed during World War II. My dad was recently going through ...
  A: I received this from Dave Martucci (vex@vexman.net): "During WWII there was a shortage of materials ...
Flagpoles of different heights9/11/2008
  Q: My company is hosting a group from another country for a day and they have asked us to display their ...
  A: Indeed, that's a tricky one, and the protocol manuals never anticipate all the possibilities. The ...
Order of US flags9/9/2008
  Q: I often present flag protocal lectures as a public service for my local VFW unit. I have been asked ...
  A: I have NEVER seen this question addressed anywhere. It's certainly not in the US Flag Code nor in ...
The Defiance 48 star American Flag9/6/2008
  Q: I just scored an old flag in the box. It is the Defiance 5X8 Moth Proof made by ANNIN. 75% nylon 25% ...
  A: "Defiance", "Signature", and perhaps others are lines of flags manufactured by Annin. I visited ...
Flag Question8/28/2008
  Q: Why do some flags that where draped over coffins of Korean War vets have 31 gold stars? Thanks, ...
  A: I've posted it to the Flags of the World group, to see what they might know. I have heard of similar ...
folding state flag8/22/2008
  Q: My son is in charge of displaying and taking down the flags at school. He knows how to fold the U.S. ...
  A: I did get two interesting responses to your question. One is from Peter Ansoff, who lives in ...
Rules for displaying flags on boat/ship8/13/2008
  Q: What are the rules for US (privately) owned boats, yachts, ships flying a flag? More specifically ...
  A: The US Flag Code (Title IV, US Code) makes no mention of flag use at sea. Odd, I know. The navy has ...
old 13 star flag8/9/2008
  Q: Mr. Kirsch, We found an old 13 star flag when sorting through old family items. It is almost ...
  A: Two possibilities: (1) Take it to a museum, especially one which has a textile collection. The ...
American Flag Law8/4/2008
  Q: Is there a federal law, etc that requires the American flag to be placed on American aircraft for ...
  A: I don't know for certain, but it's probably not federal but international: all aircraft, at least ...
history of flags7/31/2008
  Q: what is the symbol of USA flag
  A: I assume you mean symbolism. The 50 stars stand for the 50 states; the 13 stripes for the original ...
history of flags7/31/2008
  Q: what is the simbol of USA flag
  A: I thought I answered this the other day, but they said it was still pending, so here's what I wrote: ...
Disposal of Texas flag7/25/2008
  Q: What is the correct way to dispose of a Texas flag?
  A: By a coincidence, I learned that this year is the 75th anniversary of the passage of the Texas Flag ...
Flag Pole Height7/24/2008
  Q: I am reviewing a permit application for a 100' flagpole. Do you know if there are any requirements ...
  A: I'm no expert on FAA regulations, but if you have a 100-foot pole or 100-foot building, for that ...
American Flag Question7/22/2008
  Q: Do you have any numbers on the American Flag? I'm working with a gentleman that sells flags and ...
  A: I'm not sure what you mean by "numbers". There's the executive order 10834 that specifies the ...
36 star flag located ih old home being demolished7/20/2008
  Q: my friend recently found an old flag. It has 36 stars and is about 5 feet by 10 feet. I did not ...
  A: In my profile is the following, capital letters included: "But PLEASE DO NOT ASK ME TO APPRAISE A ...
13 STAR FLAG7/11/2008
  Q: I, TOO, HAVE WHAT SEEMS TO BE THE SAME FLAG AS YOUR LAST WRITER. A STAR IN EACH CORNER, 8 IN A ...
  A: It's an unusual configuration of stars, but you should have its authenticity checked out (materials, ...
Identify a Burgee7/9/2008
  Q: It is triangular (Point to right), yellow border on black material, with rear view of sitting cat ...
  A: I posted your question to the "Flags of the World" mailing list. The only answer I got was from an ...
annin no. r46 reliance flag7/5/2008
  Q: I have a 46 star flag in the original box from the annin co. 4x6ft., US flag, 8ft. brass jointed ...
  A: In my profile at Allexperts.com it says "But PLEASE DO NOT ASK ME TO APPRAISE A FLAG'S VALUE: (1) I ...
casket flag7/4/2008
  Q: i have an american flag that was on my grand fathers casket and was wondering if it is ok to fly the ...
  A: As far as I know there's no custom dictating the contrary. Normally the casket flag is removed ...
Texas Flag and the United States Flag7/1/2008
  Q: I was told that the Texas Flag is the only state flag that can fly at the same height as the United ...
  A: Not by a long shot. Any state, county, city, or other national flag can fly at the same height, as ...
Flag Pole Height/Flag Size6/30/2008
  Q: Mr. Kirsch, I am interested to install a flag pole in front of my house that will hold the US Flag ...
  A: There is no rule of thumb as to either the height of the pole nor the size of the flag. The USAF ...
folding flags6/27/2008
  Q: is the Iraq flag supposed to be folded the same way as the American flag? i am currently serving ...
  A: I am sure you're right; our flag is dominated by the stars in the canton, theirs by the religious ...
height of flag pole6/24/2008
  Q: Should the flag pole be higher than the building it is in front of? Thank You
  A: Not necessarily; would you erect a pole that tall in front of Chicago's Sears Tower? Poles come in ...
48 star flag6/23/2008
  Q: I recently found a 48 star flag in a very old trunk. The label on it says Sterling USA and that it ...
  A: I doubt it. The 48-star flag flew from the admission of Arizona (1912) to the admission of Alaska ...
13 star flag6/23/2008
  Q: I found a small 4" x 5 1/2" flag in the ceiling of a house I renovated 28 years ago. The house was ...
  A: Appraisals cannot be done by email as the flag must be seen and felt. If it's 13 stars it may date ...
flag from my father6/22/2008
  Q: the flag is 15.5 in. wide and 11.0 in. high; equally divided into red (left) white (center) blue ...
  A: That is an odd one and new to me. I've posted it to a group of experts and if I hear anything (some ...
US flags in church6/7/2008
  Q: I appreciated your answer regarding the flag display in church (on the displayer's right as a place ...
  A: Got it! Air Force Instruction 34-1201 reads: "2.10.9. When used on a speaker’s platform, the flag, ...
Flag disposal6/4/2008
  Q: I recently purchased a new American Flag from a Flag company if Fort Worth Texas. As I was walking ...
  A: Sounds like one to me too. Ideally the flag should have been burned respectfully, though it's ...
13 star flag on lincoln's casket6/1/2008
  Q: we have 13 star arranged 3/2/3/2 separately sewn stripes one stripe an orangish red machine sewn ...
  A: I doubt Lincoln's casket would have been draped with a 13-star flag; they'd likely have used the ...
Confederate flag materials5/23/2008
  Q: Mr. Kirsch, I was wondering if there are examples of Confederate flags that use hand made woven ...
  A: I got the following response from Greg Biggs, who knows a lot about this sort of thing: >>>Mr. ...
Flags of 2 countries on same flag pole5/21/2008
  Q: We are a company in the U.S. with a home office in Austria. One of our offices only has one flag ...
  A: No way. NEVER fly one national flag atop another in peacetime. If the US Navy should capture an ...
Hanging of all 50 state flags5/8/2008
  Q: We want to hang all 50 state flags for a national meeting. They will be hung from a balcony. Are ...
  A: Strictly speaking they are to be hung in order of admission to the union, with Delaware first and ...
Unknown Flag4/26/2008
  Q: I recently came across a flag that is a rectangular dark green color with a white circle in the ...
  A: I looked through my collection and saw nothing. Granted, my eyes may have glazed over 2/3 of the way ...
U.S Flag ID4/25/2008
  Q: Albert, Albert.. If you can help with this one, I'd certainly appreciate it! My flag's lable ...
  A: I don't understand. There's no question in what you wrote. It's obviously a flag made by Valley ...
Multiple flag poles4/16/2008
  Q: When you have 4 flag poles to fly an American Flag, a state flag, county flag and town flag, is ...
  A: Yes, assuming the following: (1) that by left-to-right you mean as seen by the viewer on the street ...
nazi flag4/14/2008
  Q: i have a WWII nazi bringhome flag that my great uncle brought home from operation market garden. ...
  A: Sorry for the delay: I posted the question to the "Flags of the World" mailing list for further ...
Flag Placement4/10/2008
  Q: I have a small front porch with a left and right column. Which column should I use to install a ...
  A: The US flag would go on the left-hand column as you look at the house. The general rule is that the ...
Flag protocol4/9/2008
  Q: In some countries (in fact I think the U.S. is one of them, officially), it's considered ...
  A: I honestly don't know. I suppose it would depand on the country. In the UK people sport the flag on ...
POW flag position4/3/2008
  Q: At our veterans monument we have nine flag poles. The center is the highest and holds the national ...
  A: Chuck: I was not even aware that there was a separate flag for the merchant marine. Thanks for ...
13 Star silk flag signed4/3/2008
  Q: I aquired a 13 star antique flag that looks like old silk. It was my great grandfathers. I never ...
  A: The design is the "Cowpens Flag", which flew during the Revolutionary War. Two Jonathan Trumbulls ...
REVOLUTION FLAG ????3/19/2008
  Q: I HAVE A 13 STAR FLAG..STARS APPEAR FROM TOP TO BOTTOM 3-2-3-2-3..IT MEASURES 49" X 27". It has 3 ...
  A: There's a limit as to what I can do. I'm not a professional appraiser, nor could one of them say ...
Flags3/6/2008
  Q: I would like to know more about the Mexican flag briefly used that had an eagle and a jaguar on it. ...
  A: I scoured "Flags of the World" for such a Mexican flag and see absolutely no reference to a jaguar ...
flag protocol3/6/2008
  Q: When a church is having a parade of a few other country flags as well as the United States flag, ...
  A: The basic principle is that all national flags are shown equal respect. According to the USAF ...
10x15 48 star flag3/5/2008
  Q: I JUST FOUND A 48 STAR FLAG 10X15 IN A WOODEDN BOX MARKED "FLAG" IT CAME OUT OF AN OLD FIRE ...
  A: Not sure I get what you mean by "what is your take on the size", other than to say "big". I assume ...
Using the French Flag3/3/2008
  Q: A group of us are traveling to France this summer to take a barge trip. We were wanting to create a ...
  A: I agree with your friend. You might want to fly the French flag and the Georgia flag separately. ...
2 Antique Flags2/23/2008
  Q: Hi, I have a friend who's brother was in the US army in the late 1930's to early 1940's and he ...
  A: A panther head suggests a Panzer division, if it is German and of that vintage, but that one is ...
George Rogers Clark Flag2/19/2008
  Q: I am looking for a supplier of historical flags that would carry a "George Rogers Clark" flag. It ...
  A: If time is pressing, go to your local Yellow Pages and start phoning flag companies. Otherwise ...
Vertical National Flags2/18/2008
  Q: At our church we have hung several foreign flags vertically along a wall, with the hoist at the top. ...
  A: This is a tough one! In general, and I'll get to exceptions, what is normally the upper left of the ...
U.S. flag2/17/2008
  Q: I thought that it was a law that the American flag must be flown higher then any other flag on a ...
  A: Explain to your teacher that the only way one national flag can fly above another on the same pole ...
flag2/15/2008
  Q: i have a hand stitched 36 star flag along with a Italian flag with the arms together what was the ...
  A: No idea without more info. Some Italian-American statement, about the time of the early wave of ...
48 Star Flag2/11/2008
  Q: I have found in my father's estate (he was a Pearl Harbor Survivor) a 48 star flag. It is in it's ...
  A: Um... so what's your question? If you'd like to know whether it's worth anything much, the answer ...
Flying the flag2/5/2008
  Q: I recently saw a flag pole with a large eagle on the top, next was a large weather vain, then the ...
  A: The eagle is the proper finial for a flagpole flying the US flag. As to the weather vane, it's ...
Photos with flag/flags2/1/2008
  Q: I work in a media department where administrative sorts are beginning to request their portraits ...
  A: As long as the Texas flag is to the left of the US flag (the viewer's right) and not higher than the ...
german ww2 flag1/10/2008
  Q: just wondering if you could tell me anything about it. The whole flag is a large black iron cross on ...
  A: It is possibly the National Socialist Imperial Fighters League (soldiers welfare organization); see ...
pennant or flag ?1/9/2008
  Q: I have a pennant that consists of what appears to be the american flag and the canadian flag joined ...
  A: The formal definition of "pennant" is a triangular flag tapering to a point (think baseball). But if ...
Unknown Sea Flag12/28/2007
  Q: I have an unusual flag that appears to be naval in origin. It is constructed of a red colored two ...
  A: I had no clue, so I posted your question to the "Flags of the World" group on Yahoo. Hence the delay ...
old 7 star/ 36 star flag12/28/2007
  Q: I have an older looking flag, pennant shaped, thick felt like texture with 7 sewn on stars, both ...
  A: Definitely not Confederate; the 11 stripes give the lie to that. (Are these two flags or two sides ...
old 7 star/ 36 star flag12/26/2007
  Q: I have an older looking flag, pennant shaped, thick felt like texture with 7 sewn on stars, both ...
  A: Maybe you'd better describe the design, as I thought it was a US-type flag, not a confederate one. ...
old 7 star/ 36 star flag12/25/2007
  Q: I have an older looking flag, pennant shaped, thick felt like texture with 7 sewn on stars, both ...
  A: It obviously was never an official flag (7 states?), but rather a decorative pennant or bunting. ...
Decorating the flag pole12/16/2007
  Q: I work as a firefighter for municipal government. Is it proper to place christmas lights on the ...
  A: Wow! That's a new one on me! I can't say I've ever seen them, and I've never seen any reference to ...
flag placement12/14/2007
  Q: We have three flag poles. one with U.S. flag, one CT. state flag, one POW flag. What order should ...
  A: The general rule is they should be in the order you've written them (senior to junior, as it were), ...
us flag12/12/2007
  Q: i have a us flag measures 4ft9" x 9ft8". made by valley forge flag co inc. the labelreads best ...
  A: There's not much I can tell you; you don't even tell me if it's current (50-star) or older (48- or ...
where are scouts supposed to look during the pledge?11/29/2007
  Q: A question came up at a boy scout meeting the other night. We begin all meetings with a flag ...
  A: Face the flag. When the pledge was conceived, people extended their right arms towards it. After the ...
US, state, and Christian flag protocol11/28/2007
  Q: We're displaying the US, AL, and Christian flags this Sunday. Each one will have its own step. I ...
  A: The Christian flag, which is altogether unofficial, actually, despite its wide use, ranks third; it ...
48 star flag11/12/2007
  Q: I recently found a 48 star flag and im trying to figure who produced it. Its 5.0 by 9.6 feet and the ...
  A: I have to admit I don't know. The dimensions are quite official (as opposed to the dime-store 3x5 ...
On-stage & Off-stage position11/12/2007
  Q: The US Flag Code seems very specific as to the position of the US Flag when to the rear of the ...
  A: Took me a while to find it, as you're right about Title 4 USC: It only refers to the flag on stage. ...
Protocol11/10/2007
  Q: I am looking for a book on theproper way to display (hang) world flags. On our church wall we ...
  A: I'd follow the same rule. The "upper hoist" (upper left when the flag is flown horizontally) is the ...
Protocal11/10/2007
  Q: I am looking for a book on theproper way to display (hang) world flags. On our church wall we ...
  A: In the US the correct display is to have the US flag to the viewer's left; first, so to speak, as ...
Chinese Flag11/8/2007
  Q: On the PRC flag, I see in the upper left one large star with 5 arrayed to the side. What's the ...
  A: I had thought that the explanation was as follows: "[The] red of the flag is the traditional color ...
American Flag10/24/2007
  Q: I have an old flag with 46 stars. You can see the stitching where the stars were sewn on and where ...
  A: It's obviously a collector's item, pre-1912, when AZ and NM joined the union. But if the stars are ...
Flag protocol10/24/2007
  Q: Couple of questions about flag protocol. In the first instance, what is the proper procedure for the ...
  A: I have to preface my answer by pointing out that I live in the US, where protocol is probably ...
International Flag law10/21/2007
  Q: I would like to know if it is legal to alter a nation or state flag in any way. Like inverting the ...
  A: Depends on the country; some are very sensitive about this. There is no international flag law. ...
International Flag Etiquette10/20/2007
  Q: I'm working on a project in my Spanish Class about flags from South America. I have been assigned ...
  A: Likely any information about Argentina's flag protocol would be in Spanish, at an Argentine military ...
Raising the American Flag10/19/2007
  Q: Should the American Flag be raised during inclement weather or the threat of inclement weather?
  A: These days it is customary to do so, especially as flags are more likely to be made of nylon or ...
is my flag worth anything?10/13/2007
  Q: i have a really old flag and want to know what its worth. it is still in the box and this is all the ...
  A: I have no experience in appraising flags but I know this much: "Storm King" was the brand name for ...
American Flag10/11/2007
  Q: What does it mean when someone displays the American Flag backwards (with the stars in top right ...
  A: Normally, nothing. It often appears that way on the right shoulder of a soldier's uniform or on the ...
multiple national flag display10/3/2007
  Q: I collect flags, and, as I am in college, enjoy displaying them in my dorm room, on my walls. I have ...
  A: I would not put it anywhere on the wall at all. Too many hard feelings. When I was in Japan I saw ...
U S FLAG10/3/2007
  Q: When, if ever is the flag seen as an idol, and is worshiped by others?Where did this come from?
  A: I am not aware of any such behavior. People salute the flag, and venerate the liberty it is supposed ...
multiple national flag display10/2/2007
  Q: I collect flags, and, as I am in college, enjoy displaying them in my dorm room, on my walls. I have ...
  A: I don't think I'd touch that with a 10-foot flagpole. Any display involving the Nazi flag will ...
display of nazi flag9/23/2007
  Q: My father gave me a very large Nazi flag he always referred to as a "parade" flag that he ...
  A: Unfortunately, there is no "law" that I am aware of that carries any kind of penalty for doing this ...
International Flag Protocol question9/14/2007
  Q: Is it inappopriate or offensive to use a portion of an internationl flag as part of a design (i.e. ...
  A: (By "international" I assume you mean foreign flags, as opposed to, say, NATO, EU, or UN flags.....) ...
flags at half staff9/11/2007
  Q: I sent an inquiry but am writing again with a new e-mail address: I was wondering about the ...
  A: If there's only one pole there is no choice but to lower both. I don't think there's any regulation ...
flying U.S. Flag at half staff9/11/2007
  Q: At work we have one 50' flag pole. This morning in observance of Patriots Day I brought the (VT.) ...
  A: I sent this to your other address but here it is again, if only because I don't need the computer to ...
9-11 Memorial Service9/7/2007
  Q: Is the flag lowered to half-staff during 9-11 memorial service?
  A: I received the following from the Flag Information Center: "To commemorate those who died in the ...
Flag Hanging Protocal & Laws9/5/2007
  Q: I have a single flag pole in the front yard of my home (buying). I want to hang the Christian Flag ...
  A: I am unaware of any laws against violating the flag code. But you'd be doing that. If your church ...
where to mount a flag on our house9/3/2007
  Q: I would like to have a wall mounted flag on my house, can you give me a suggestion as to where would ...
  A: The front of the house is fine, either from the porch roof or on the front wall at the rear of the ...
Unrecognized flag8/10/2007
  Q: Albert, I recently obtained a flag supposedly flown by the USS Wichita during WW2. However, it is ...
  A: I posted an inquiry at the Yahoo group devoted to the "Witch" and her sister ship, the Tuscaloosa. I ...
flag protocol8/5/2007
  Q: When you fly a flag from your house shouldn't it face the street? Several of our neighbors are ...
  A: Wow! 3x5-foot flags on mailboxes? Now that is truly weird. At that size they can't face the street ...
flag protocol8/5/2007
  Q: When you fly a flag from your house shouldn't it face the street? Several of our neighbors are ...
  A: You're not wrong, but the protocol is intended for flags displayed from, say, the front porch. I ...
flag protocol8/5/2007
  Q: When you fly a flag from your house shouldn't it face the street? Several of our neighbors are ...
  A: I gather then that these are small flags. It does sound a little weird, I agree, but I wouldn't get ...
48 Star American Flag, very large8/5/2007
  Q: I was helping cleaning out my grandparents house and we found a 48 star American Flag. We are ...
  A: Any competent dry cleaner can handle it, unless the fabric is unusually fragile. Expect to pay a ...
flag protocol8/4/2007
  Q: When you fly a flag from your house shouldn't it face the street? Several of our neighbors are ...
  A: I don't understand what you mean when you say the flag "faces" in a certain direction. Aren't the ...
Three poles, which one for American8/1/2007
  Q: Albert, we have three flag poles in front of a city building. The middle one is higher, has a ...
  A: If the middle one is higher, fly the national flag from that. Facing the building from the street, ...
identifying a flag7/31/2007
  Q: i briefly saw a flag I'm trying to identify, it was all yellow with a red cross crossing it and in ...
  A: I haven't a clue. The only red-cross-on-yellow flags I could find are (a) Ulster (part of Ireland) ...
author of " to the colors"7/14/2007
  Q: Sir/Ma'am, Could you please help out with the author of the music played with the raising of ...
  A: Wikipedia says it's for the lowering of the flag, as does the US Army Bands page (23rd in the daily ...
American Flag7/12/2007
  Q: What is the gold bordering around the flag symbolize or what is the purpose? ANSWER: The purpose is ...
  A: Officially, the flag has no fringe. The fringe is not a "variation"; it's only a decoration, but ...
American Flag7/12/2007
  Q: What is the gold bordering around the flag symbolize or what is the purpose?
  A: The purpose is decoration and it symbolizes nothing. There's a lot of bull going around the internet ...
U.S. Flag and State Flag protocol7/11/2007
  Q: Our retirement community has a central administration and club building. The area in front of this ...
  A: I agree that "its own right" is ambiguous. A better way of looking at it is that the US flag (on US ...
Help to identify a US flag7/9/2007
  Q: I found a flag in my house that belonged to WWII veteran who survived the war. The flag is 3x5, the ...
  A: The flag was bought by the WW2 vet long after the war was over, as the 50th star (for Hawaii) was ...
Flag protocol7/6/2007
  Q: What is the protocol for displaying the American flag, with or without a Christian flag, both in a ...
  A: Many churches (and synagogues) display the US flag. When it is displayed alone, there's no problem ...
old flag7/2/2007
  Q: I found an old flag in a house I was cleaning out. The flag has 48 stars 7 red and 6 white stripes. ...
  A: Age: Anywhere from 1912-1959. Value? Can't tell from here, but probably not much. If you really ...
Nazi Flag6/29/2007
  Q: My father returned from WWII with a Nazi flag that I wish to donate to the Illinois Holocaust Museum ...
  A: I can't speak to appraisals, but the flag you describe sounds like the navy ensign. The national ...
flags at firefighter's funerals6/24/2007
  Q: Today's paper shows a picture of the funeral for the 9 firefighters that died fighting a furniture ...
  A: It seems to be the custom that all "uniformed services", including fire and police, adopt certain ...
Displaying three flags6/15/2007
  Q: How do I position these 3 flags on same height staffs? With the US flag, of course, in the middle, ...
  A: If the staffs are the same height, the US flag goes to the right, not in the middle (careful about ...
13 Stars 13 Stripes6/7/2007
  Q: Our family has had this flag in our family for a long time and we are trying to find out more about ...
  A: I'm not familiar with that design. If you think it's a genuine antique from before 1795, take it to ...
yacht club burgee6/7/2007
  Q: I have found in my boat locker a burgee that I cannot identify. It's a white penant with a navy ...
  A: After a good deal of scrolling through burgees.com I found the Thames Sailing Club (UK). Their ...
Flag display in portrait6/4/2007
  Q: Should flags be painted displayed on the subject's right which is the viewer's left in a portrait? ...
  A: A quick look at photo portraits of cabinet officers, senators and representatives shows them posed ...
Displaying flag in church5/27/2007
  Q: What is the most updated guideline to display the American flag in church. Does it matter if it is ...
  A: There's no update. It's always been the same: It does not matter where it is displayed, but wherever ...
Flying U.S. flag from horizontal pole5/27/2007
  Q: When flying the U.S. flag from a horizontal pole on my front porch and I am looking at the flag from ...
  A: The description is not clear. If it is a flagpole, i.e. one with a definite base and top, the stars ...
old flag protocol5/25/2007
  Q: I have a 48 star flag, used in the funeral of a relative who was a WW2 veteran. I understand it's ...
  A: No violation at all, and a nice touch. It's the flag under which he served. Anyone who takes offense ...
American flag5/25/2007
  Q: I am looking into when the US flag should go from full mast to half and back up. I work for a city ...
  A: I don't think there's a uniform custom. Wouldn't the mayor issue some sort of procalamtion for this ...
flags with gold stars5/22/2007
  Q: Can you find out approximately how many WWII serviceman's families received flags with some gold ...
  A: I doubt anyone can. The flags (I assume you mean US flags, not "service flags") with gold stars were ...
old flag5/19/2007
  Q: i have a old 13 star flag can you tell me if its worth anything. it has 7 red strips and 6 white ...
  A: Well, as I said, if it's really old, it's valuable. By old I mean before Vermont was admitted, late ...
old flag5/17/2007
  Q: i have a old 13 star flag can you tell me if its worth anything. it has 7 red strips and 6 white ...
  A: The design is the "Hopkinson" design (if the stars have 6 points.) In any event such designs were ...
identifying flag5/16/2007
  Q: i am trying to identify a flag that is rectangular with equal sized white blue yellow vertical ...
  A: Don't know; I posted this to the Flags of the World list and we'll see who bites. However: the top ...
identification5/13/2007
  Q: I have an odd (to me) 48 star flag. it is approx. 4ft. wide by 5'4" long. The center stripe is the ...
  A: Odd to me too. I gather that it has a total of 5 stripes: red, white, blue with stars, white, red. ...
U.S. Flag flying questions?5/7/2007
  Q: Is it U.S. code (the law) that requires the American Flag to be flown higher than ALL others? Is ...
  A: 1. No. Indeed, if there are other national flags, they must all be flown at the same height, out of ...
nazi flag5/1/2007
  Q: I have a nazi flag that my grandfather brought from the war. It is approx. 28"X16". It is 2 sided. ...
  A: It's a standard-issue flag, probably for home or other indoor use, judging by the size and ...
Display of the US Flag on a vehicle.4/28/2007
  Q: How should the US Flag be displayed as a DECAL or STICKER on the right hand side of an ambulance or ...
  A: That's the way I would do it, yes. The trick is finding a "backwards" decal! If you can, fine. If ...
flag identifiation4/28/2007
  Q: I'm trying to identify a flag in an old panoramic photo of around 1910. The flag is a rectangle with ...
  A: That's a tough one, especially absent the actual photo. The only flag I know of that matches that ...
flag at half staff4/25/2007
  Q: what is the origination of flying a flag at half staff?
  A: I honestly don't know, so I checked Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Half-staff . They say ...
Flying U.S. flag at half staff4/19/2007
  Q: When U.S. flag that is in a display of interantional flags is ordered to flown at half mast, do the ...
  A: Very goodHere's what the USAF Protocol Manual has to say: "2.10.4. ......No flag or pennant may be ...
Verification4/17/2007
  Q: "The POW/MIA flag, since it pertains to missing Americans from accross the country, the official ...
  A: The official protocol concerning the POW/MIA flag is not as you quote it. Not sure where you got it ...
NATO Flags4/16/2007
  Q: In what order should the twenty-six member flags of NATO be displayed during a formal ceremony on a ...
  A: From USAF Instruction 34-1201: "2.10.5. When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are ...
1832 Flag4/15/2007
  Q: I have purchased a silk flag that I have been unable to identify. It is 6ft. x 3ft., burgundy back ...
  A: Unfortunately, there has been dead silence on the list in response to my post. So I'm guessing it's ...
1832 Flag4/15/2007
  Q: I have purchased a silk flag that I have been unable to identify. It is 6ft. x 3ft., burgundy back ...
  A: I am posting this question to the Flags of the World mailing list, as I have no clue as to the ...
48 star american flag4/14/2007
  Q: I recently found an old 48 star American flag. The flag is 5' wide and 8' long. The stars are in ...
  A: The 48-star flag flew from 1912 to 1959, so judging the age is hard. You're looking at a ...
Displaying Flags4/12/2007
  Q: My organization will displaying flags of other countries, the US flag, as well as flags from within ...
  A: Flags are ranked from the bearer's right to his left (the viewer's left to right.) National flags ...
old riped flags3/25/2007
  Q: I have to two torn and old flags and i like to replace them with new ones but i like to know how to ...
  A: I assume you mean US flags. Custom is to burn them ceremoniously (you design the ceremony, I guess, ...
american flag with gold stars3/7/2007
  Q: I am a reporter with The Charlotte Observer in North Carolina. Recently a reader called to say she ...
  A: I passed your question on to the list but my guess is the same: that the flag was manufactured ...
Nazi Flag3/6/2007
  Q: I was wondering if i sent you pics of the flag if maybe you could help me find out what it is ...
  A: I'll give it a shot. You can email me the pics at askirsch@yahoo.com, but before you do check "Flags ...
13 Star Flag with one Blue Stripe2/19/2007
  Q: I recently came across a 13 star flag with one blue stripe at the bottom. The pattern of the stars ...
  A: The very first thing you must do is authenticate the age of the thing. This requires a museum ...
Flag ID1/30/2007
  Q: The stars are not faded, they are a consistent hue on all 48 stars. They are zigzag stitched onto ...
  A: Here are two responses I got from other flag nuts: 1. I think this has come up before on the list, ...
Flag ID1/29/2007
  Q: I have in my possesion a 48 star flag that was sent to a widow when her husband was killed and ...
  A: I've never heard of such a flag. There are "gold star" service flags (see for example ...
unidentified Flag on Vintage jackson china1/4/2007
  Q: i have recently aquired a lot of vintage china - most of it is railroad china but i have four plates ...
  A: If you can send a picture please do so (askirsch@yahoo.com) and I will post it to the "Flags of the ...
American Flag1/3/2007
  Q: I have a 40 state American flag. Approx. 6'x10' hand sewn and in my family. made by Oldfield family. ...
  A: Unfortunately I can perhaps identify a flag, but I have no expertise whatsoever in valuing them. Are ...
nazi flag found in grandfathers trunk12/31/2006
  Q: My uncle passed and had an old trunk. We went thru it and found a nazi swastika flag, 28" x 32". ...
  A: It is probably authentic, assuming your uncle served in the European theater and acquired his copy ...
Old 45 star american flag12/19/2006
  Q: My sister has an old 45 star American flag that she's interested in finding out how much it's worth. ...
  A: I have no clue as to how to appraise a flag, and even if I did I would have to see it close up. Your ...
Lighting Flag12/15/2006
  Q: At this time we are about 70 percent complete on a Veterans Memorial in our town park. Because of ...
  A: While it is technically suspect, I think that if there is popular demand for it then go ahead. Just ...
US Flag Display12/2/2006
  Q: I, Sgt Best, U.S. Marine am wondering why, on the U.S. Army Utility Uniform, there is a patch on ...
  A: It's easy, once you look at it a certain way: it's displayed as if the soldier were moving forward, ...
Burgee identification11/22/2006
  Q: Albert, I'm a member of the RI Yacht Club and we have a old burgee that has been hanging in the club ...
  A: Alas, I have no clue, but you might check http://burgees.com/ and see if it's among the hundreds ...
1st confederate stars and bars flag11/19/2006
  Q: I bought a set of small books at an estate sale in Mississippi that was published in 1912. Inside ...
  A: Obviously we can't do that by email. Take it to a museum (along with the books, which may offer ...
American Flag11/16/2006
  Q: What does "the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing" and " flags are to be dipped as a ...
  A: It is the custom in most countries to dip flags (even the national flag) out of respect, to heads of ...
international flag protocol11/11/2006
  Q: When flags of different nations and a U.S.flag are flown in the U.S., what is the proper protocal?
  A: It depends. Assume all flagpoles are of equal height (this show respect to all.) Normally the US ...
Flag protocol10/8/2006
  Q: Kirsch, First, thank you for offering your expertise. 1. If I fly my American flag on my porch ...
  A: 1. Yes. 2. To honor fallen soldiers, you're best off getting a "service flag" with a gold star. ...
13 star flag with circle 8 and center, corner stars10/4/2006
  Q: I appreciate your response and Nick's follow-up. My flag is the same. 13 stars arranged in a circle ...
  A: This is similar to Patty's question about the same design but there is a snag when you write ...
flag patch10/3/2006
  Q: i have a question about the American flag patch on the u.s. army battle uniform. i know the blue ...
  A: It goes on the right shoulder; the left shoulder is reserved for the divisional insignia. That's why ...
Flag pole protocols9/29/2006
  Q: I live in New Zealand where plag flying on the domestic scene is fairly rare. I have just erected a ...
  A: To take your questions one at a time: 1. In the US (where I live) people do not fly the flag at ...
Flag and Flagpole etiquette9/29/2006
  Q: WE are a nonprofit arts organization that has taken over an old elementary school. We just installed ...
  A: 1. You are not obliged to fly any flag if you don't want to, though an empty pole looks kind of ...
state flags9/24/2006
  Q: I'm doing a speech on our state flag. (Indiana). I have been curious how state flags got started ...
  A: Without writing your speech for you, remember that the US started out as thirteen separate colonies ...
flag identification9/13/2006
  Q: Sir, I have recently come across a 8x10 wool flag that baffles me. It was sold as a regimental ...
  A: It's what's called a "service flag"; people with sons in the army fly them, with one blue star for ...
Confederate Flag9/9/2006
  Q: I see you had someone else ask about a Storm King flag. I've found one myself, cotton, confederate ...
  A: This is what I wrote to that questioner last March: "I'm honestly not familiar with the term ...
Old Flag9/8/2006
  Q: I recent was given a flag that belonged to my parents. It has 30 stars on it and is very large. ...
  A: The US had 30 states before the Civil War (1848-1851), so that dates it (assuming it's not a ...
Flag Flying Protocol9/4/2006
  Q: Please could you inform me on the protocol for flying flags on vehicles ie the small diplomatic ...
  A: The host country's flag hold the honor (senior) position, on the bearer's right. Thus the UJ would ...
Old coffin flag?9/1/2006
  Q: I have 2 old flags that have been in the family since I was a kid (I'm 53 now)I assume they were ...
  A: I'm not sure what you mean by "retire". Worn-out flags are disposed of by ceremonially burning them. ...
Displaying the American Flag8/21/2006
  Q: Since 9-11 we were allowed to fly our flag on the mail box at all times (without lights at night). ...
  A: To my knowledge no protocol has been changed. Ask your condo commandos where they got this notion, ...
Flag Poles8/16/2006
  Q: The flag school at a local school broke and to save money they are wondering if they could mount it ...
  A: While I am unaware of anything in flag etiquette that would prevent this, it sounds pretty tacky to ...
tri colour flag8/8/2006
  Q: I have a WWII helmet of a dutch model that was also used by Romania and some eastern european ...
  A: This is really outside my area, but I thought I'd respond with more than a quick dismissal (they ...
13-Star Flag8/6/2006
  Q: A flag has been passed down from generation to generation in our family. It is different than any ...
  A: You may have a winner here. I looked at 13-star variants at the "Flags of the World" website and ...
Nazi Flag battle of the bulge8/5/2006
  Q: Do you know any information about nazi flags, we have one that came from the battle of the bulge and ...
  A: I don't know much about them but the "Flags of the World" website is loaded with such stuff (Google ...
Flag/music protocol on striking the colors8/2/2006
  Q: This is probably not your usual type of question - it needs an answer from someone very familiar ...
  A: I honestly don't know the answer. I have posted your question to a flag-oriented list and hope for a ...
flag on a desk7/28/2006
  Q: Is it proper to use a US flag as a covering for a desk in general office use, even though the flag ...
  A: I have seen a famous photo by Matthew Brady, of President Lincoln visiting the tent of one of his ...
flag protocol7/26/2006
  Q: We have three flags that we are going to display on a pedestrian walk-out. The flags are, US flag, ...
  A: The priority is US, POW, and state. If the three poles are of equal height, the US flag (the senior ...
Flag U.S.7/24/2006
  Q: I have in my posession a 48 5point star flag that was draped over my great great uncles coffin. It ...
  A: Valley Forge is simply the company that made the flag; they're a big outfit, still in business since ...
Flag identify7/2/2006
  Q: We recently discovered an old flag in a suitcase that my grandmother had left at my mother's house ...
  A: It appears to be a Liberty Loan flag from WWI awarded to a town or organization. Based on the "Sons ...
burgee identification6/20/2006
  Q: I have a burgee with a yellow field and a red monkey on it that my mother obtained in Paris about ...
  A: I checked the "flags of the world" website and googled Argentine burgees; found a nice site on ...
displaying flags6/9/2006
  Q: In what order do I display the American Flag, Coast Guard, Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine and ...
  A: The following is taken from http://www.fotw.net/flags/us^mil.html#order : "The order of precedence ...
Placement6/5/2006
  Q: When setting up a State and Federal flag in an autorium, is there a particular side they sould be ...
  A: The national flag is always displayed on the bearer's right. So: if it is on the stage, it is on ...
american flag/christian flag5/30/2006
  Q: I am military retiree and I think I know the answer to my question but I want an expert to answer it ...
  A: I was about to send off a message agreeing with you when I decided to check just to make sure. It ...
flag draped over grave headstone5/11/2006
  Q: My wife wants to drape a flag or flag colored cloth over the headstone on her parents grave. I think ...
  A: For veterans, it's pretty much automatic, especially on Memorial Day and Veterans' Day, etc. For ...
StormKing Flags3/22/2006
  Q: I'm instrested in getting a 48 star flag. I've seen the post you made about the vally forge flags ...
  A: I found out who "Storm King" was; this was posted on a mailing list: > "Storm King" was the brand ...
First US flag to fly on Kwajalein3/15/2006
  Q: My dad fought at the battle of Kwajalein,in the Marshall islands.When the Japanese surrendered,the ...
  A: What you're telling me is that your dad stole the flag 60 years ago and now you want to prove it. ...
flag poles3/15/2006
  Q: When putting up a flagpole what side of the driveway should it be on as you drive in.
  A: A single flagpole can go anywhere; whatever looks best. I wouldn't think at all in terms of the ...
Flag ID3/3/2006
  Q: I have a flag I don't know anything about. I could e-mail a photo of it for you if you give me an ...
  A: This is only a guess; the arms and flag of Amsterdam have those three x's in them, though the colors ...
17 star flag2/21/2006
  Q: My friend has a 17 star flag. She said it came from somewhere in one of the Dakota's but when I ...
  A: Well, it may have come from the Dakotas, but if it's authentic, it didn't originate there. If it's a ...
a flag i saw in fredericksburg virginia2/20/2006
  Q: while on vacation in virginia i saw a flag that caught my attention. it had alternating red and ...
  A: I posted your question to the Flags-of-the-World mailing list in hope of a response. I do know it's ...
Flag identification1/28/2006
  Q: I have a very large flag with the numeral "48" on it. It is red and white and appears to be either ...
  A: Offhand, I do not know. But I have submitted it to the "Flags of the World" mailing list and expect ...
Flags1/9/2006
  Q: What does the stars and colors mean on the flag for Bosnia-Herzegovina. Please get it to me asap.
  A: The best source I have is at the Flags of the World website: ...
Flag protocal, objects on flagpole12/2/2005
  Q: We have to put a tall pole on a high school campus on which we will mount a wireless networking ...
  A: Honestly, I wasn't sure of the answer to your question, though I didn't think it would be a problem. ...
flag11/16/2005
  Q: why does the flag only have 50 stars
  A: Because there are only 50 states (I assume you mean the US flag.) If Puerto Rico or DC becomes a ...
flags10/13/2005
  Q: I designed a logo for a cultural association using a foreign flag as the main subject. The flag is ...
  A: I am afraid your question is not at all clear. (a) What kind of cultural association? A ...
flag i.d.9/19/2005
  Q: sir. i have obtained a 48 star flag. it is made of cotton with the ensign 7 const.N244S-3G131. ...
  A: Not much to say about it. The 48-star flag was the longest-lived design in US history, from the ...
Flag seperation on the same pole8/2/2005
  Q: I am putting up a flag pole and will mount both an Union Jack and also a Marine Corp banner below ...
  A: Will the US flag be on top? If so, another national flag really ought not to be below it. But it ...
Flag Display for Baseball Opening5/25/2005
  Q: Our VFW Post has been invited to present the colors during the opening ceremony for little league ...
  A: Here is a site with the priority (your Q 2): See ...
US flag1/3/2005
  Q: What do you call a folded flag? what does it represent? What is it called when it is flown on a ...
  A: As far as I know, a folded flag is called siply a "folded flag". It represents nothing in ...
UCV 1st Tennesee light artillery battle flag11/30/2004
  Q: I have a 35''x 35'' 1st Tennessee confederate light artillery battle flag.I believe it to be a UCV ...
  A: I did get one off-list response from Devereaux Cannon (Google him; he's a CSA flag expert) who saw ...
canadiana flags11/9/2004
  Q: ------------------------- Followup To Albert Kirsch Question - Hi Thank you for your help,I ...
  A: As I remarked, I am in no position to appraise flags; it just isn't my field. I'm a retired chem ...
canadiana flags11/8/2004
  Q: We have come across flags.One is Canadian Red Ensign 1870-1965 around 14ftx12ftWe found afew on the ...
  A: I had checked "This is outside my area" and the software bumped me. It is, but I can comment: I ...
2nd Pennsylvania Regiment flag8/29/2004
  Q: My son has been tasked with researching and creating a replica of the above flag. The class is ...
  A: I received this from Ned Smith; you may wish to follow it up via phone calls: > There is a ...
20 star flag7/26/2004
  Q: We have recently aquired a 20 star american flag It has an original annin label that says it is 100 ...
  A: When the US had 20 states (1817-1818), I strongly doubt Annin even existed. Even if it did, it was ...
antique american flag 48 stars marked valley forge7/5/2004
  Q: i have in my possesion an american flag with 48 stars, the flag is marked valley forge. the flag is ...
  A: The flag is mass-produced; Valley Forge is a leading flag company (see ...
Unusual flag sighting. what is it?5/31/2004
  Q: And thanks in advance. My friend and I were jogging through a deep and hidden upper middle class ...
  A: I'm not sure. If the blue had faded to green it could be a Saudi naval flag. Here are some URLs to ...
painted flag3/4/2004
  Q: does a flag that is painted on something, such as a watertower, need to be lit at night?
  A: Yes. I admit I was fooled, and started to answer "no". But I thought better of it and posted your ...
USA Flag3/4/2004
  Q: In Irac, why are the soldiers USA arm flag patch backwards? The stares and blue field are on the ...
  A: I admit it looks kind of dumb. But note it's on the right sleeve (the left carries unit insignia). ...
How many men and women have...2/10/2004
  Q: How many men and women have lost thier lives over the amercian flag
  A: I have no clue. You can count the dead in all the US's wars, available in any almanac. Do you ...
flying historical flags1/24/2004
  Q: The school I teach at is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. A 31 star flag was legal back ...
  A: The answer to all your questions is a qualified "yes". All national flags are legal, including some ...
flags backwards6/27/2003
  Q: What does it mean when the american flag is displayed backwards with the stars (canton) on the right ...
  A: It means the person who put it up has no clue as to the proper way to display the flag. At least ...
Flags11/5/2002
  Q: what does the colours in the Bahamas's flag represent?
  A: At "Flags of the World" (http://fotw.vexillum.com/flags/bs.html), I found the following, of which ...
American flag5/30/2002
  Q: 1) Is an expert on flag history called a vexillologist? 2) The American Flag first flew over a ...
  A: 1) A vexillologist studies all aspects of flags; I don't know if there's a separate term for a ...
U.S. Flag5/26/2002
  Q: When a U.S. flag is no longer servicable, it is to be destroyed in a dignified fashion, preferably ...
  A: I have never heard of a flag being cut up before burning it. I admit no special expertise, but I do ...
Flags12/8/2001
  Q: Found a flag in my mom's attic that is puzzling----4' x 6' with 5 stripes running lengthwise; ...
  A: This is not an official flag. It's a purely decorative flag of the type used on holidays, along with ...
Confederate Flag8/30/2001
  Q: i just read your: Something controversial or provocative about this subject comment and that got me ...
  A: The history is long and complex. I'll try to abbreviate it in light of the comment I made in my ...
national flowers8/5/2001
  Q: Which country has the carnation as its national flower?
  A: John: I posted your question on the "Flags of the World" mailing list and got the following from ...
Flag burning6/24/2001
  Q: Where do I find material about burning the US flag in protest? Would like to know if there is an ...
  A: Usually I answer flag questions at some length, but there's more material than I could possibly ...
faded guidon3/5/2001
  Q: I have an old U.S. Army infantry guidon where the original blue has changed to a kind of a rose ...
  A: Dave: I was originally going to check the "outside my area" box, but in addition to being a ...
49 star flag2/17/2001
  Q: I have a 49 star US flag. I was wondering how common it is and if it has any value. Thank you.
  A: The 49-star flag flew for only one year (I think it was 1959), after Alaska was admitted and before ...
The flag of Hawaii11/24/2000
  Q: On one of the pages regarding flags it shows that Hawaii has an British union flag (Union ...
  A: David: I answered this recently when someone else asked, so a little copy-and-paste is all I ...
The crescent in the Turkish flag11/3/2000
  Q: The crescent in the Turkish flag is said to be a new moon. It was confirmed by the Turkish embassy ...
  A: Yukihiro-san: I think we must carefully distinguish between legend and fact. According to Smith ...
Prevalence of City/County Flags10/31/2000
  Q: Reading your Expertise listing made me curious: do most cities and counties actually have flags? I ...
  A: Many cities do. The bigger ones love the pomp surrounding the Mayor's office, and flags are part of ...
New Mexico4/25/2000
  Q: Which Indian tribe does the New Mexico state flag pay tribute to? Thanks!
  A: According to Whitney Smith's "The Flag Book of the United States", the NM flag was adopted March 15, ...

All Questions in This Category

Email this page
     
User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy | Help
Copyright  © 2006 About, Inc. AllExperts, AllExperts.com, and About.com are registered trademarks of About, Inc. All rights reserved.