Flags/Questions Answered by Expert Albert Kirsch
| Subject | Date Asked |
| flag rarity | 12/11/2011 |
| Q: I have a flag made by the valley forge co. The label says 100% cotton-bunting. The flag is entirely ... A: There is obviously only one flag answering to your full description (flown from the McGowan at her ... | |
| FLAG RULES ON INTERNATIONAL TRAIN | 12/4/2011 |
| Q: This is a question I have been arguing for years. Every year Canadian Pacific Railroad sends down a ... A: In all my protocol manuals, I've never seen any rules for trains. I guess we should reason from ... | |
| WWI Flag | 9/30/2011 |
| Q: I have a 48 star flag that was given to my great grandmother on the death of her son killed in ... A: I have no formal knowledge but I suspect they were given new to the widows/mothers at the time. By ... | |
| ok to put flag holder on mailbox? | 9/9/2011 |
| Q: I read your answer about placement of flag on a house but the right side of our house has too many ... A: Hmm. I had a vision of a small mailbox and was actually joking, since a 3x5' flag would be ... | |
| WW2 German SS Flag | 8/15/2011 |
| Q: I have a fascination for anything to do with the Second World War, and after years of searching, ... A: Look along the white part at the hoist; the manufacturer puts a stamp there plus other information. ... | |
| 1943 48 star Mare island flag | 7/29/2011 |
| Q: I also have a 48 star, hand sewn flag with brass rivets and cord attachments, in great condition-1 ... A: Mare Island Naval Shipyard was the principal west-coast shipyard during the war; see ... | |
| Proper Flag Protocol re: Two Flag Poles | 7/29/2011 |
| Q: It is clear on flying the POW/MIA flag with the US flag on a single or with two flag poles and it is ... A: I posted your question and the best answer I got was this: "House Resolution H.R.1119 National ... | |
| Proper Flag Protocol re: Two Flag Poles | 7/29/2011 |
| Q: It is clear on flying the POW/MIA flag with the US flag on a single or with two flag poles and it is ... A: Wrong on most counts. With single or multiple poles, the POW/MIA flag has lowest priority, as it is ... | |
| Flag with Gold Stars | 7/10/2011 |
| Q: I don't know much about this flag, my nephew acquired it somehow, possibly when he was serving in ... A: This has been the topic of much discussion on the Flags of the World mailing list, who maintain the ... | |
| Where to put flag in yard | 7/8/2011 |
| Q: I just got a flag pole for my birthday. Now I want an expert opinion on where to place it in my ... A: Put it where you think it looks best and where the flag will be best seen from your preferred ... | |
| American and Canadian flags on same pole. | 7/6/2011 |
| Q: Can the Stars and Stripes be on the same flag pole as the Canadian flag? A: Strictly speaking, no. The only time a US flag should fly above a Canadian flag is if the Yanks ... | |
| placement of multiple flags | 6/29/2011 |
| Q: We have three flagpoles and three flags for display at our home. 1. American 2. Confederate 3. ... A: Order 1-3-2; the Confederacy is no longer a country and the flag is now only a political statement. ... | |
| 1943 48 star flag | 6/12/2011 |
| Q: We recently found my father's WWII things he saved in our shed. among the ribbon medals, dogtags, ... A: The flag may have been the ship's ensign. Mare Island was a shipyard NE of San Francisco. I can't ... | |
| Confederate flag | 6/1/2011 |
| Q: I recently purchased a very old Confederate flag, someone folded the ends and put it inside a frame ... A: It is of course possible, but there's no way I can tell. If it's cotton or wool and hand-sewn, your ... | |
| Foreign Flag Protocol | 5/13/2011 |
| Q: I know the US flag is always positioned furthest to audience Left (stage right), but is there a ... A: Yes there is: Alphabetical (in English). Note in this connection that Great Britain is displayed ... | |
| Military Flag Protocol | 4/29/2011 |
| Q: Is it legal to require a military member overseas to render a salute to the host nation flag during ... A: I think you conflated two things: saluting a foreign flag and pledging allegiance to it. The former ... | |
| 1 flag pole, only foreign flag? | 4/4/2011 |
| Q: On my way to work I pass by a 2-story office building of little notice or signage. However ... A: There is no law against flying the Mexican (or any other) flag by a private citizen, and one law ... | |
| 48 star flag | 3/27/2011 |
| Q: "I have a 48 star flag that is approx. 10' x 20'. On the edge it says Valley Forge Flag Company ... A: I just got the same question (down to #6 Ensign) from someone else, only that flag was 4x6'. A 10' ... | |
| 48 star valley forge No. 9 ensign | 3/27/2011 |
| Q: I am going through my grandparents estate and this was in the bottom of the cedar chest. It is sewn ... A: Possibly, but an official US Navy ensign would not be 4x6; closer to 4x8. It might have been ... | |
| 48 star valley forge No. 9 ensign | 3/26/2011 |
| Q: I am going through my grandparents estate and this was in the bottom of the cedar chest. It is sewn ... A: It sounds like a pretty common version of the 48-star flag. Valley Forge is an established flag ... | |
| flag question | 3/20/2011 |
| Q: I purchased a flag at an auction and I am having trouble identifying it. It is approx 19"x19" and ... A: The consensus on the Flags of the World list is that this is not strictly speaking a flag, in that ... | |
| help id flag | 3/13/2011 |
| Q: I aquired a flag and I'm having some trouble researching it. It is approx. 2ft width and about 7ft. ... A: The age might be tough. The colors have turned somewhat (brick red, ecru white) so it is not nylon, ... | |
| C.S.A. Navy Jack Confederate Flag | 3/5/2011 |
| Q: I just bought a Confederate flag from an estate sale at the home where Shelby Foote lived and wrote ... A: A flag of that vintage hardly qualifies as an antique; it's not like you had one from the days of ... | |
| old flags | 3/1/2011 |
| Q: I have a yellow flag with a black scalloped border> I would like to know the country that it ... A: That's a tough one. I did some looking at Flags of the World (fotw.net), the most complete flag ... | |
| yacht club burgees | 2/24/2011 |
| Q: I am trying to identify some yacht club (and sailing club) burgees. I have looked on the ... A: Offhand, no. That's the site I always go to. There are so many clubs, some so small, that I don't ... | |
| Where does the pink Union Flag come from? | 2/17/2011 |
| Q: At London Pride, I kept on seeing pink versions of the British Flag, the Union Jack. The blue in the ... A: There is a "pink" fad in the US as well. I don't think it's a gay thing as much as a marketing thing ... | |
| Odd Flag or Banner | 2/9/2011 |
| Q: I recently came across a Flag or Banner that I would like some info on. It measures 10" x 7' 8". ... A: AHA! I saw this one after I answered the other one. It is as I suspected; it's not a flag but just ... | |
| Odd Flag or Banner | 2/9/2011 |
| Q: I recently came across a Flag or Banner that I would like some info on. It measures 10" x 7' 8". ... A: Could you give me a little more info? Are the stars white on blue? What is the overall layout of the ... | |
| German Nazi Swastika Flag | 12/12/2010 |
| Q: I have had in my possession a swastika flag signed by members in my Fathers outfit for many years. I ... A: I am definitely not an expert in flag preservation or fabric preservation generally, though if it's ... | |
| Nazi Flag | 12/11/2010 |
| Q: I came across it years ago but never thought about it til recently while i was going through thing. ... A: I just got what appears to be the definitive answer to your question. Sorry for the delay: "Not a ... | |
| American Flag | 12/9/2010 |
| Q: Is it required that an American Flag be flown at a municipal building. We fly one but were thinking ... A: There's no requirement that a flag be flown anywhere but at a federal (civilian or military) ... | |
| Gravesite Marker Flags | 11/19/2010 |
| Q: What is the proper placement of the Gravesite Marker flags. I know that the flag is normally placed ... A: I don't think it matters. But if it's a footstone or a headstone, imagine yourself placing the flag ... | |
| Flag on Fountain Square Cincinnati | 11/14/2010 |
| Q: We saw a flag with which we are not familiar. It is very much like our American flag with the navy ... A: Additional finds: http://www.myfountainsquare.com/flags and http://vexman.net/13stars/ (quite ... | |
| Displaying Christian Flag in Church | 11/12/2010 |
| Q: In the Navy, the Church pennant is hoisted above the American Flag during Church service. Clearly ... A: The "Christian flag" represents certain Protestant churches, not all, in the US, rarely elsewhere. ... | |
| Displaying Christian Flag in Church | 11/12/2010 |
| Q: In the Navy, the Church pennant is hoisted above the American Flag during Church service. Clearly ... A: The church is doing it correctly; Navy regulations do not apply to civilians. It is not a question ... | |
| Liberty Loan Flag | 11/11/2010 |
| Q: Back in 2006 someone asked about a Liberty Loan Flag and now I am in the possession of a Fourth ... A: First, my profile says I cannot and will not appraise flags. I can help identify them, but I'm not ... | |
| 48 star Valley Forge flag | 11/10/2010 |
| Q: I have my grandfather's 48 star American flag.I did all the research I could on it, and found out ... A: If the manufacturer put the date on it, you're home free. If it's nylon, it's after a certain date ... | |
| WWii Japenese Flag | 11/7/2010 |
| Q: I would like to display a Japanese flag on my wwii jeep at reenactments ,parades,or shows. How can I ... A: Well, that's not covered in any protocol manuals that I know of :-# I am assuming that at the ... | |
| Flags | 11/6/2010 |
| Q: I live in a cooperative in Florida, approx 15 percent of our nearly 1000 homes are owned by ... A: No you're not, I don't think..... There is nothing wrong legally with a Canadian flying his own flag ... | |
| ww2 flag | 10/25/2010 |
| Q: hey!!!i have a flag that hung during a speech that hitler made during ww2! my long gone grandfather, ... A: There's no way I can figure how to get the history of the flag. The best one can do is find out from ... | |
| very large wool flag | 10/22/2010 |
| Q: A former radio man from the battle of Aachen has a flag he's asked me to research and I've been ... A: Sorry to take so long to get back to you, but I posted the question to a list of vexillologists to ... | |
| German Flag | 10/9/2010 |
| Q: I have a German flag that my Uncle Mike "liberated" during WWII during the time of the Battle of the ... A: I wasn't aware of a French Mare Island. It is entirely possible that it was made at the US Naval ... | |
| Old captured nazi flag | 9/22/2010 |
| Q: My grandfather recently passed. When we were cleaning his house we found a trunk with old WWII ... A: Take it to a local museum and see if they know anyone; doubtless they have someone who cleans ... | |
| Burgee ID Reguest | 9/22/2010 |
| Q: I have an old burgee, standard size, yellow in color with a brown turtle on it and the letters TC, ... A: Got me! I checked under T at burgees.com and came up empty; the site is pretty thorough but may be ... | |
| non profits and american flag | 9/20/2010 |
| Q: our organization is a nonprofit public funded, we want to know if we can choose to fly foriegn flag ... A: If there are objections, they should be heard. You'll have to discuss the reasons for flying the MX ... | |
| non profits and american flag | 9/20/2010 |
| Q: our organization is a nonprofit public funded, we want to know if we can choose to fly foriegn flag ... A: Absolutely. It's Mexico's bicentennial and also the centennial of the uprising against Diaz. A big ... | |
| Question on 1898 flag | 9/6/2010 |
| Q: I have seen an american flag exposed in a museum in Spain, which is supposed to come from the ... A: I asked around and got the following letter from Whitney Smith, probably the world's most ... | |
| 13 star flag | 9/1/2010 |
| Q: I am the President of the narragansett Historical Society in Templeton MA. We have a 13 star flag ... A: It is odd, I agree. Was it perhaps a regimental color rather than the national flag? Or was it ... | |
| state flags | 8/31/2010 |
| Q: I can find no information whatsoever about flying a state flag alone. Do you have any ideas ... A: No need. If you have one flagpole, you can fly anything you want from it. I doubt there's any ... | |
| Burial Flag from 1949 | 8/4/2010 |
| Q: I have received a flag from my deceased father who looked after most of his brothers and sisters. ... A: EJ is likely the manufacturer, though so many are long out of business that it'd be impossible to ... | |
| placement of flag on stage | 7/18/2010 |
| Q: why is the us flag always placed to the right of the speaker? A: Because that is the official and accepted protocol. In any display of flags in the US, the national ... | |
| Flag | 7/17/2010 |
| Q: I want to know if this flag is worth anything. It had "Challenger" 2x2 PLY 100% COTTON-BUNTING ... A: Please re-read my profile where I say I cannot possible evaluate anything. (a) I have no expertise ... | |
| wearing a flag | 6/29/2010 |
| Q: Is it wrong to wear a national flag like a dress... the US is very specific about it, but I'm ... A: You'll find most countries in Europe are fairly free with thier national emblems, whereas some ... | |
| UNION FLAG | 6/22/2010 |
| Q: I HAVE A LARGE FLAG WITH THE UNION JACK IN THE CENTER AND LIGHT BROWN, RED AND WHITE BORDERING IT . ... A: I see the picture clearly enough; thanks for posting it. It looks like a one-off design for some ... | |
| 1945 burial flag | 6/21/2010 |
| Q: I have a burial flag from a Tech Sgt who's plane went missing in in the pacific in 1945. His remain ... A: I have no clue as to how rare these things are; there are plenty of flags for KIA and MIA soldiers, ... | |
| Column Flag Placement | 5/31/2010 |
| Q: Albert, Good afternoon. I have seen the answer to placement of a flag on a porch with a column at ... A: Normally a flag is placed on the column to the immediate left (as seen from the street) of the ... | |
| Coat of arms | 5/24/2010 |
| Q: On Wikipedia the national flags of Chad and Romania are completely the same.Is this true and is it ... A: Anent your comment on the "expert rating" (thanks for the 10's :-) --- Tribalia is near southern ... | |
| nato flag displayred | 5/23/2010 |
| Q: At a US Army post in Kosovo, when displaying the flags. I know the US flag is first, followed by ... A: You flattered me in your evaluation, for which I thank you. But don't go collecting any bets until I ... | |
| nato flag displayred | 5/23/2010 |
| Q: At a US Army post in Kosovo, when displaying the flags. I know the US flag is first, followed by ... A: Actually not. If this is a NATO base, it is the NATO flag that gets prominence (4 USC Chapter 10; US ... | |
| Flags in a parade | 5/4/2010 |
| Q: When our unit marches in the Polish Constitution Day parade in Chicago each year, we carry a U.S. ... A: I have regularly seen other national flags dipped to heads of state (at the Olympics, e.g), with the ... | |
| Wall mounted flag poles & positioning of flags | 4/15/2010 |
| Q: I am adding flag poles to my place of business and considering wall mounted poles (8') from the eave ... A: The US flag needn't be "above" the others (especially if any of the others is another national ... | |
| Is This A Flag That Was Given To My Grandfather For Service In World War1 | 4/11/2010 |
| Q: My Mother recently passed away,after going through her possessions I found a US Flag, it has 48 ... A: "Could it be?" Of course. But there's no way to tell. Annin has been around since 1847, so nothing ... | |
| 48 star american flag | 4/9/2010 |
| Q: i would like to know how much my flag is worth its a 3x5 victory bunting flag it has 48 stars and is ... A: Please reread my profile where I say I can't do appraisals. I can't see it, feel it, or smell it. ... | |
| Swastika Flag | 4/8/2010 |
| Q: My grandfather served in World War II. He has since passed away.. But was wondering the flag I have ... A: I find it hard to visualize the flag from your description. It sounds like a round flag, which makes ... | |
| 48 star flag | 4/4/2010 |
| Q: How much is 48 star flag worth today. A: In a word, not much, unless it has a special history. There are literally thousands of them all over ... | |
| Placement and height of flags | 4/2/2010 |
| Q: We are considering displaying three flags from three flag poles in front of a building in Boston. ... A: The national flags should be on identical poles, so make all three the same. Nice to have that ... | |
| Laying USA or any country's flag flat on a stage | 3/22/2010 |
| Q: We have a dilemma regarding use of flags in a worship dance. To illustrate Revelations Chapter 5 a ... A: I'm not sure what in Revelation 5 you'd be illustrating, but that's another issue. On ... | |
| WWII National Socialist Flag | 3/21/2010 |
| Q: I bought the attached flag about 10 years ago as a prop. Although I did buy it from a militaria ... A: I expect that the Germans made cheap flags too, in which the emblem was printed rather than ... | |
| Revolutionary War, Fifth Pennsylvania Regiment Flag | 3/12/2010 |
| Q: Sir, I am on a quest to find what this flag looks like being a member of this unit as a ... A: I checked "Flags of the World" after googling and found: ... | |
| displaying multible flads | 3/10/2010 |
| Q: The company I work for has 3 flagpoles. Center one taller. Company was purchased by Mexican ... A: "How do I do it?" Wow. With difficulty. It is improper to display one national flag higher than ... | |
| 36 star union flag | 3/8/2010 |
| Q: I am hoping to get ahold of someone that might be able to help me with a flag that has been passed ... A: The flag flew from 1865-1867; at http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/Flags/us-1865.html there is a ... | |
| Flag position vs International Flags | 3/4/2010 |
| Q: In a church setting, we us equal size flags from 20 or more countries to represent mission support. ... A: As I read your question, the answer is "yes" to both. The first flag on the left is the senior flag ... | |
| 48 Star Flag with 1 Gold Stripe | 3/3/2010 |
| Q: Mr Kirsch, I'm writing in response to the question regarding my knowledge about this flag. I have ... A: I received the following letter from Whitney Smith, the man who founded the field of vexillology and ... | |
| age of annin flag | 3/2/2010 |
| Q: I have a 5 x 8 Annin Flag with woven label the name "Defiance" and "5x8" stamped on it. It is a 50 ... A: "Defiance", "Signature", and perhaps others are lines of flags manufactured by Annin, much like ... | |
| 48 star flag | 2/25/2010 |
| Q: I have a large 48 star flag the size given at the funeral when a serviceman dies. The flags first ... A: My friend Dave Martucci (vex@vexman.net) dropped in late on the discussion and added the comment ... | |
| Flag flying protocal | 2/15/2010 |
| Q: I have a single flag pole. In what order of height should I fly the Canadian, or other countries ... A: All on one pole? Don't overdo it; looks awful :-) Still, the national flag always goes on top. Then ... | |
| dispay of international flags inside | 2/8/2010 |
| Q: My school has a international flag display that follows the curvature in the roof. This places flags ... A: All the rules for flag display fail to anticipate every eventuality, and this is one of them. ... | |
| The US flag | 1/31/2010 |
| Q: why does the flag only have 50 stars I do not know the answer to tell my 14 yr old grand-daughter ... A: Simple: Colonies/territories are not states. If DC or PR become states, we'll add stars for them as ... | |
| Flags stamped Mare Island | 1/25/2010 |
| Q: We recently came across two flags that have been in the family for years. I will describe them as ... A: These are both signal flags, the first for the letter "C" and the second is a "repeater", used when ... | |
| American Flag | 1/23/2010 |
| Q: I bought the house sitting next to me the lady has passed on she was 92 it was also her parents ... A: Please re-read my profile where I say I do not do appraisals. I cannot see or feel the flag and ... | |
| nazi flag | 1/20/2010 |
| Q: We have a huge (86 inch by 86 inch) red flag with white circle in middle with nazi symbol. Two ... A: From your photograph it appears to be folded over, so I can't make it out, but I do believe that ... | |
| Flag Protocol - two poles, equal height | 1/13/2010 |
| Q: We have renovated our main entrance. We have replaced one pole with two (either side of the main ... A: No. The state flag can be the same size and same height as the US flag, just not larger or higher. ... | |
| Please help ID an unusual American-themed flag. | 12/15/2009 |
| Q: I hope you can help me with proper identification of this flag. It's made of silk, with a ... A: One final confirmation, from the "Flags of the World" list: "This is a rendition of the "Washington ... | |
| Display of Multiple Flags | 11/24/2009 |
| Q: Our school is building a permanent veteran's memorial with three Flag poles. Where are the Flags ... A: Depends. If the middle one is higher, it gets the US flag, state flag to its left (as viewed from ... | |
| us flag along side of canadian flag | 11/22/2009 |
| 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 flag | 11/21/2009 |
| 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 ... | |
| Brown Stripe on flag | 11/17/2009 |
| Q: I have a 48-star American flag that I rescued from a trash pile 10 years ago. It was folded in a ... A: I received the following letter from Whitney Smith, the man who founded the field of vexillology and ... | |
| Gold Star American Flags | 11/13/2009 |
| 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 flagpole | 11/3/2009 |
| 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 ... | |
| flags | 11/3/2009 |
| 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 Flag | 10/24/2009 |
| Q: I have a flag I received at my uncle's funeral in 1955. This is THE flag that was placed on his ... A: I received the following letter from Whitney Smith, the man who founded the field of vexillology and ... | |
| First American Flag | 10/23/2009 |
| 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 identity | 10/18/2009 |
| 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 flag | 10/14/2009 |
| 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 gaff | 9/22/2009 |
| 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 Flag | 9/21/2009 |
| 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 Ellipse | 9/11/2009 |
| 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 moose | 9/9/2009 |
| 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 flag | 8/30/2009 |
| 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 home | 8/22/2009 |
| 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 flags | 8/13/2009 |
| 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 24/7 | 8/10/2009 |
| 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 Flag | 8/7/2009 |
| 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 placement | 8/6/2009 |
| 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 property | 7/15/2009 |
| 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 Flag | 7/11/2009 |
| 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 flag | 7/5/2009 |
| 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 position | 6/29/2009 |
| 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 stars | 6/27/2009 |
| 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 ... | |
| finial | 6/26/2009 |
| 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 placement | 6/23/2009 |
| 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 funerals | 6/20/2009 |
| 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 Flag | 6/17/2009 |
| 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 Anthem | 6/16/2009 |
| 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 Flag | 6/14/2009 |
| 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 flag | 6/2/2009 |
| 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 building | 6/1/2009 |
| 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 US | 6/1/2009 |
| 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 flags | 6/1/2009 |
| 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 US | 5/31/2009 |
| 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 church | 5/29/2009 |
| 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 church | 5/28/2009 |
| 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 flag | 5/27/2009 |
| 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 school | 5/27/2009 |
| 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 brother | 5/25/2009 |
| 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 flag | 5/22/2009 |
| 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 widow | 5/18/2009 |
| 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 flags | 5/12/2009 |
| 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 wrong | 5/12/2009 |
| 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 flag | 5/11/2009 |
| 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 pole | 4/28/2009 |
| 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 flag | 4/28/2009 |
| 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 design | 4/25/2009 |
| 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/burgees | 4/13/2009 |
| 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 placement | 4/7/2009 |
| 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 question | 3/20/2009 |
| 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 flag | 3/17/2009 |
| 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 malls | 3/15/2009 |
| 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 flag | 3/13/2009 |
| 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 flag | 3/11/2009 |
| 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 Flag | 3/11/2009 |
| 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 Flags | 3/8/2009 |
| 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 bunting | 3/2/2009 |
| 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 Flags | 2/18/2009 |
| 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 flags | 2/10/2009 |
| 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 pole | 1/27/2009 |
| 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 flags | 1/21/2009 |
| 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 different | 1/19/2009 |
| 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" flag | 1/18/2009 |
| 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 flag | 1/15/2009 |
| 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 height | 1/14/2009 |
| 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 Flag | 1/10/2009 |
| 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 flag | 1/4/2009 |
| 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/value | 1/2/2009 |
| 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 flag | 12/30/2008 |
| 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 flag | 12/28/2008 |
| 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 flag | 12/27/2008 |
| 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 Riders | 12/19/2008 |
| 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 Preservation | 12/18/2008 |
| 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 flag | 12/17/2008 |
| 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 Mast | 12/1/2008 |
| 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 flag | 11/30/2008 |
| 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 parades | 11/24/2008 |
| 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 Flag | 11/18/2008 |
| 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 flags | 11/13/2008 |
| 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 father | 11/7/2008 |
| 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 flags | 11/3/2008 |
| 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 Flags | 10/27/2008 |
| 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 ... | |
| flar | 10/25/2008 |
| 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 ... | |
| flar | 10/22/2008 |
| 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 protocol | 10/20/2008 |
| 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 identification | 10/19/2008 |
| 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 Ensign | 10/11/2008 |
| 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 Ensign | 10/11/2008 |
| 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 protocol | 10/8/2008 |
| 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 flag | 10/3/2008 |
| 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 flags | 10/1/2008 |
| 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 Stage | 9/29/2008 |
| 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 Collage | 9/25/2008 |
| 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 Flag | 9/23/2008 |
| 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 - Preservation | 9/22/2008 |
| 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 flag | 9/18/2008 |
| 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 heights | 9/11/2008 |
| 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 flags | 9/9/2008 |
| 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 Flag | 9/6/2008 |
| 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 Question | 8/28/2008 |
| Q: Why do some flags that where draped over coffins of Korean War vets have 31 gold stars? Thanks, ... A: Allexperts wrote and said I have unanswered questions and this is one. This question of gold stars ... | |
| Flag Question | 8/28/2008 |
| 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 flag | 8/22/2008 |
| 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/ship | 8/13/2008 |
| 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 flag | 8/9/2008 |
| 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 Law | 8/4/2008 |
| 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 flags | 7/31/2008 |
| 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 flags | 7/31/2008 |
| 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 flag | 7/25/2008 |
| 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 Height | 7/24/2008 |
| 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 Question | 7/22/2008 |
| 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 demolished | 7/20/2008 |
| 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 FLAG | 7/11/2008 |
| 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 Burgee | 7/9/2008 |
| 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 flag | 7/5/2008 |
| 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 flag | 7/4/2008 |
| 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 Flag | 7/1/2008 |
| 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 Size | 6/30/2008 |
| 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 flags | 6/27/2008 |
| 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 pole | 6/24/2008 |
| 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 flag | 6/23/2008 |
| 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 flag | 6/23/2008 |
| 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 father | 6/22/2008 |
| 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 church | 6/7/2008 |
| 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 disposal | 6/4/2008 |
| 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 casket | 6/1/2008 |
| 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 materials | 5/23/2008 |
| 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 pole | 5/21/2008 |
| 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 flags | 5/8/2008 |
| 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 Flag | 4/26/2008 |
| 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 ID | 4/25/2008 |
| 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 poles | 4/16/2008 |
| 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 flag | 4/14/2008 |
| 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 Placement | 4/10/2008 |
| 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 protocol | 4/9/2008 |
| 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 position | 4/3/2008 |
| 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 signed | 4/3/2008 |
| 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 ... | |
| Flags | 3/6/2008 |
| 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 protocol | 3/6/2008 |
| 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 flag | 3/5/2008 |
| 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 Flag | 3/3/2008 |
| 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 Flags | 2/23/2008 |
| 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 Flag | 2/19/2008 |
| 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 Flags | 2/18/2008 |
| 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. flag | 2/17/2008 |
| 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 ... | |
| flag | 2/15/2008 |
| 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 Flag | 2/11/2008 |
| 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 flag | 2/5/2008 |
| 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/flags | 2/1/2008 |
| 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 flag | 1/10/2008 |
| 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 Flag | 12/28/2007 |
| 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 flag | 12/28/2007 |
| 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 flag | 12/26/2007 |
| 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 flag | 12/25/2007 |
| 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 pole | 12/16/2007 |
| 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 placement | 12/14/2007 |
| 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 flag | 12/12/2007 |
| 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 protocol | 11/28/2007 |
| 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 flag | 11/12/2007 |
| 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 position | 11/12/2007 |
| 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. ... | |
| Protocol | 11/10/2007 |
| 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 ... | |
| Protocal | 11/10/2007 |
| 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 Flag | 11/8/2007 |
| 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 Flag | 10/24/2007 |
| 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 protocol | 10/24/2007 |
| 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 law | 10/21/2007 |
| 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 Etiquette | 10/20/2007 |
| 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 Flag | 10/19/2007 |
| 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 Flag | 10/11/2007 |
| 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 display | 10/3/2007 |
| 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 FLAG | 10/3/2007 |
| 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 display | 10/2/2007 |
| 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 flag | 9/23/2007 |
| 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 question | 9/14/2007 |
| 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 staff | 9/11/2007 |
| 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 staff | 9/11/2007 |
| 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 Service | 9/7/2007 |
| 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 & Laws | 9/5/2007 |
| 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 house | 9/3/2007 |
| 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 flag | 8/10/2007 |
| 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 protocol | 8/5/2007 |
| 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 protocol | 8/5/2007 |
| 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 protocol | 8/5/2007 |
| 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 large | 8/5/2007 |
| 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 protocol | 8/4/2007 |
| 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 American | 8/1/2007 |
| 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 flag | 7/31/2007 |
| 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 Flag | 7/12/2007 |
| 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 Flag | 7/12/2007 |
| 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 protocol | 7/11/2007 |
| 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 flag | 7/9/2007 |
| 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 protocol | 7/6/2007 |
| 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 flag | 7/2/2007 |
| 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 Flag | 6/29/2007 |
| 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 funerals | 6/24/2007 |
| 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 flags | 6/15/2007 |
| 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 Stripes | 6/7/2007 |
| 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 burgee | 6/7/2007 |
| 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 portrait | 6/4/2007 |
| 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 church | 5/27/2007 |
| 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 pole | 5/27/2007 |
| 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 protocol | 5/25/2007 |
| 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 flag | 5/25/2007 |
| 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 stars | 5/22/2007 |
| 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 flag | 5/19/2007 |
| 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 flag | 5/17/2007 |
| 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 flag | 5/16/2007 |
| 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 ... | |
| identification | 5/13/2007 |
| 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 flag | 5/1/2007 |
| 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 identifiation | 4/28/2007 |
| 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 staff | 4/25/2007 |
| 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 staff | 4/19/2007 |
| 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 ... | |
| Verification | 4/17/2007 |
| 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 Flags | 4/16/2007 |
| 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 Flag | 4/15/2007 |
| 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 Flag | 4/15/2007 |
| 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 flag | 4/14/2007 |
| 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 Flags | 4/12/2007 |
| 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 flags | 3/25/2007 |
| 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 stars | 3/7/2007 |
| 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 Flag | 3/6/2007 |
| 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 Stripe | 2/19/2007 |
| 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 ID | 1/30/2007 |
| 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 ID | 1/29/2007 |
| 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 china | 1/4/2007 |
| 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 Flag | 1/3/2007 |
| 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 trunk | 12/31/2006 |
| 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 flag | 12/19/2006 |
| 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 Flag | 12/15/2006 |
| 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 Display | 12/2/2006 |
| 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 identification | 11/22/2006 |
| 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 flag | 11/19/2006 |
| 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 Flag | 11/16/2006 |
| 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 protocol | 11/11/2006 |
| 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 protocol | 10/8/2006 |
| 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 stars | 10/4/2006 |
| 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 patch | 10/3/2006 |
| 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 protocols | 9/29/2006 |
| 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 etiquette | 9/29/2006 |
| 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 flags | 9/24/2006 |
| 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 identification | 9/13/2006 |
| 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 Flag | 9/9/2006 |
| 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 Flag | 9/8/2006 |
| 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 Protocol | 9/4/2006 |
| 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 Flag | 8/21/2006 |
| 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 Poles | 8/16/2006 |
| 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 flag | 8/8/2006 |
| 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 Flag | 8/6/2006 |
| 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 bulge | 8/5/2006 |
| 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 colors | 8/2/2006 |
| 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 desk | 7/28/2006 |
| 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 protocol | 7/26/2006 |
| 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 identify | 7/2/2006 |
| 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 identification | 6/20/2006 |
| 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 flags | 6/9/2006 |
| 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 ... | |
| Placement | 6/5/2006 |
| 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 flag | 5/30/2006 |
| 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 headstone | 5/11/2006 |
| 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 Flags | 3/22/2006 |
| 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 Kwajalein | 3/15/2006 |
| 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 poles | 3/15/2006 |
| 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 ID | 3/3/2006 |
| 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 flag | 2/21/2006 |
| 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 virginia | 2/20/2006 |
| 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 identification | 1/28/2006 |
| 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 ... | |
| Flags | 1/9/2006 |
| 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 flagpole | 12/2/2005 |
| 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. ... | |
| flag | 11/16/2005 |
| 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 ... | |
| flags | 10/13/2005 |
| 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 pole | 8/2/2005 |
| 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 Opening | 5/25/2005 |
| 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 flag | 1/3/2005 |
| 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 flag | 11/30/2004 |
| 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 flags | 11/9/2004 |
| 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 flags | 11/8/2004 |
| 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 flag | 8/29/2004 |
| 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 flag | 7/26/2004 |
| 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 forge | 7/5/2004 |
| 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 flag | 3/4/2004 |
| 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 Flag | 3/4/2004 |
| 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 flags | 1/24/2004 |
| 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 backwards | 6/27/2003 |
| 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 ... | |
| Flags | 11/5/2002 |
| 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 flag | 5/30/2002 |
| 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. Flag | 5/26/2002 |
| 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 ... | |
| Flags | 12/8/2001 |
| 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 Flag | 8/30/2001 |
| 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 flowers | 8/5/2001 |
| 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 burning | 6/24/2001 |
| 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 guidon | 3/5/2001 |
| 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 flag | 2/17/2001 |
| 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 Hawaii | 11/24/2000 |
| 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 flag | 11/3/2000 |
| 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 Flags | 10/31/2000 |
| 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 Mexico | 4/25/2000 |
| 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, ... | |
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
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