45 star No 4 ensign

[gps23]

I'm trying to assess the value of a flag I have had some time. It is reported to have come off of the cruiser OLYMPIA (post spanish/american war)
The side panel reads
US Ensign No 4 US Navy Yard New York Sep 1905 (and serial no)
It has one repair patch on one of the white stripes and is starting to tatter along edge.

[csaanv]

Hi gps23,
A lot depends on condition and size. Being a Navy ensign from the NYNY is good. A No.4 ensign is a large flag however, they are not as desirable as the smaller flags. In flag collecting bigger is not necessary better. You may want to go to Ebay and do a "45 star flag" search to get a general idea of the going bids. I have seen as low as $75 up to $300 range but that was a while back before the economy tanked. If you believe you have a serious collectable you could contact Jeff Bridgman at jeffbridgman.com who deals with antique flags and he could assist you. Do you have a photo that you can post so we can see it?

[csaanv]

Hi again gps23,
In my rush to get to church I probably should have said your flag could fetch up into higher numbers if you have any documentation that it was indeed the ensign of the USS Olympia in spite of its size. Collectors love documented provenience. If you need help with posting a photo you can email me the pic and I can resize it for posting.

[gps23]

Thanks,
I will post pictures of the markings. Pictures of full flag will have to wait until I have assistance.

[csaanv]

Thanks! I understand.