48 star flag with steel thimbles

[Damon]

Hello,
I just found a 48 star flag 4’ 8’’ by 8’ 10’’ cotton all sewn. It has steel thimbles with three rivets holding it into the header. I have seen grommets before not steel thimbles. Anyone with information on this item.
Regards and thanks.
Damon

[csaanv]

Hi Damon,
Welcome to the American Flag Forum! I believe you have a WWII era Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot issue flag. The steel rings were the signature of flags issued from there. I have the same flag in my collection. It looks in pretty good shape. Do yo have any more photos?
MAT 022.jpg

[Damon]

Hello,
Thank you for the welcome and the information about the flag. I haven't taken any more pictures yet. I was going to wash it today but when I saw the steel thimbles I knew it wasn't going into the machine. The rest of the flag is in very good shape. The fly end is smooth and wear free I don't see any marks inside the steel rings. Maybe this flag was never on a pole.
Regards,
Damon

[csaanv]

Damon,
Please don't wash it in a machine! Warm water could make the colors run! If you want to clean it let it soak in tepid, not warm or hot water with a small amount of Woolite and gently hand wash it. Rinse thoroughly with cold water to remove any detergent. Hang to air dry. Does the flag have a sort of rough feel to it? If it does that means it is made of wool bunting not cotton. Most government issue flags of that period were wool bunting. You have a very fine flag there. Enjoy!

[Damon]

Hi CSAANV,
I'll hand wash the flag I don't feel any wool on the header or any other part of the flag. I took a few pictures this morning. Once again thank you for your help and advise. My Dad is having me put this in an online auction soon.
Regards,
Damon

[csaanv]

Very nice flag! You shouldn't have any problem selling it.