38 star flag

[grifaaay]

My mother came across this 38 Star Flag about 6 years ago. We were told it was flown over a western fort but have no documentation for it. As you can see in the pics below, it is very fragile and torn. The flag is 5 feet by 8 feet. The pictures I include show most of the flag folded in half because I did not want to damage the flag any further. There is a seamstress pin in the flag that we have not removed. As you can see in the pictures the flag was repaired in some spots. There is writing on the halyard part of the flag which reads (5x8). As you can see this flag is in need of some desperate repair. We dont know much about this flag or how to restore it. Should it be restored? Anything that can be said about this flag? any suggestions?

Thanks,
Thad


38 stars



5x8'


stars



seamstress pin


Here are some other pictures of this flag:

http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/DSCN0584.jpg
http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/DSCN0564.jpg
http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/DSCN0566.jpg
http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/DSCN0570.jpg

Repairs
http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/DSCN0571.jpg
http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/DSCN0572.jpg
http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/DSCN0572.jpg

backside of the flag
http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/DSCN0582.jpg

[csaanv]

I know most folks would forbid to repair it but unless the bunting is extremely dry-rotted, brittle to the touch I would have it repaired. The idea is to be able to display it and with it's current condition you will only accelerate it's demise. The challenge is being able to find period wool bunting to re-enforce those tears. I have to confess that I have bought a worn out wool flag in order to deconstruct it to repair older U.S. flags. I would suggest looking for an old UK blue ensign. I hope you can salvage it as it looks like a great flag!