48 star US flag info

[jliveit]

While closing up a office supply business that had been in the family since 1945 I found a 5' x 9 1/2' 48 star US flag wraped in brown paper that appears to have never been used. On the hem it looks like it has printing that says VALLEYFOR***** (can not make out the last few letters) it has cut out and swen on stars with what I would call a zig zag stitch. Fabric is what I would guess to be cotton material, flag has no staining or discoloration. Trying to find out if this has any value and if so how to go about selling it.

[csaanv]

Hi jliveit,
What you found was most likely a burial/coffin flag made by Valley Forge Flag Company who continues to make flags for the government under contract. These flags are fairly common, even with 48 stars. Because they made so many 48 star flags they are easy to come by for a modest price. On eBay, you can see burial/coffin flags as low as $15 up to $50 range. However, I did see someone asking $200 for one thinking because it is old it must be worth that much. It didn't receive a single bid. Never the less for this type of flag eBay would be your best way to sell it quickly for a modest amount. Since you describe it as being in mint condition you should get the upper price range. Could you post some photos of the flag? That way we can make sure it is indeed a coffin flag. If you like you can email me the photos and I can post them for you. emmalpass(at)yahoo(dot)com