G SPEC- Government Specified U.S. Flags

[Peter Ansoff]

Update! You can get the spec online. Go to this web site:

ASSIST-QuickSearch

Enter "DDD-F-416F" in the "Document ID" search block and click on the "submit" button. On the find screen, click on the document number and then scroll down to the list of documents. Be sure to select "F," which is the current version. Clicking on the PDF icon will bring up the document, which you can then read and/or save to your hard drive.

ASSIST is the official database of US Government specs, so this is the "real thing."

Peter Ansoff

[Robin Hickman]

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THANK YOU, Peter !!!


I clicked on the link and did as you instructed and the search results were "0" (ZERO).


YIKES !!!


After a couple of seconds of head scratching, it occurred to me to remove the quotation marks and re-search.

Found IT !!!

ALL 29 pages and 1.03 MB of it !


THANK YOU !!!


Robin Hickman
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[mattsaccount]

I've got a pretty nitpicky question about the spec, since I just bought a 5'x9'6" g-spec Valley Forge flag, but have observed that it's not quite "square." That is, if I (with someone's help ) fold this flag "the long way," along the fly, it appears that the bottom of the flag is several inches shorter than the top. The result is that the top and bottom of the flag do not line up well when folded in half.

The spec, as provided at Peter's link, says:

3.4 Design. The design of the US National Flag and Union Jack shall be .... A tolerance of ± 5 percent shall be allowed for all dimensions exceeding 4 inches, except that the maximum and minimum measurements of the same dimensions on a single flag may not differ by more than 2 percent of each other and both measurements be within 5 percent tolerance on the minus side or plus side (dimensions involved are "A," "B," "C," and "D"). A tolerance of ± 1/4 inch shall be allowed for dimensions from 2 to 4 inches and a tolerance of ± 1/8 inch shall be allowed for dimensions 2 inches or less. Tolerance for the "E" dimensions on the Schiffli embroidered star fields shall be 3/4 inch. Piecing of the canton or Union Jack is prohibited except for flags with a blue field hoist dimension exceeding 60 inches, in which case only 3 pieces will be allowed and no piece shall measure less than 32 inches in the hoist dimension.

My question is: how different can the length of the top and bottom of the flag be, particularly in the case of one that's 9'6" long? 9'6" = 114", so 114" * 0.02 = 2.28". If the bottom is 3" shorter than the top, is that out of spec? I don't care about the precise length of it--it's the fact that they are different because it's much harder to fold it decently.

[Robin Hickman]

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Hi, Matt !

I had always figured that after a flag had been flying for awhile, that it would naturally get "out of square". I have assumed that it would do so because the weight of the flag would be tugging at an angle NOT in line with, or perpendicular to, the warp and woof of the material. Also, any washing or cleaning of the Flag might contribute to the "tightening" or "stretching" of the material, at least to some small degree.

BUT... a NEW Flag ?

I don't have a clue. Come to think of it, there is another thread on here where the subject of "non-square" Flags came up. Unfortunately, I don't remember where it was or the title. I know Peter Ansoff made a comment and so did I.


Good Luck !!!


Robin Hickman
Eugene, Oregon, USA
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[Robin Hickman]

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Hello, again, Matt !


Silly me! The Forum "Thread" that has similar subject matter is the very next one after this one in this forum (U.S. Flag Specs and Design). The title is, "Why Are There So Many Diagonal Cuts?".

http://www.usa-flag-site.org/forum/why-there-so-many-diagonal-cuts-6509.html


Still NO good answer, though!


Robin
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[mattsaccount]

Interesting, the other thread is referring to the same issue I'm raising I think--though in my case it has nothing to do with the "bias cut" issue you'd brought up.

I've made a graphic to make sure it's very clear:
http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~mjr/temp/flag_skewed.png

This picture compares what the flag "should" look like relative to what mine looks like. The effect in reality is not nearly so obvious, but the length of the fly on the bottom of the flag is definitely less than the length on the top. The result is that it's difficult to fold and have it line up properly.

I wrote a note to Valley Forge but they never replied, and I contacted the vendor from whom I purchased the flag, but they didn't return my call I think the messages I left were quite cordial--I wonder if they just don't know?

[Robin Hickman]

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Hi, Matt !


When I brought up the "bias ply" issue in the "Why Are There So Many Diagonal Cuts?" thread, it was because that's what I thought was meant by the term "diagonal cuts". I do believe I was mistaken in that regard!

In your case, it seems to me that it is more than likely a "manufacturing defect". I'm a little surprised that Valley Forge hasn't responded to your inquiry!

With one end shorter than the other, I wonder if it flies with a "limp" ???

Good Luck with it !


Robin
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[mattsaccount]

Yeah, I just contacted Valley Forge through the form on their website, but have not received a reply. I'll post back if I hear anything.

[Robin Hickman]

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GEE !

It sure would be nice if the Valley Forge Flag Company had a TOLL-FREE "Customer Service" phone number !!!

QUOTE : "Complete the form below to send us an email or call us at 800-352-4435."

Sorry! I just couldn't help myself! Tee-Hee !!!


From Valley Forge's FAQ Page : ( http://www.valleyforgeflag.com/44/FAQ.htm#D )

Q: I purchased a Valley Forge Flag product and it is missing a part or the part is damaged. How do I get a replacement?
A: When this occurs the consumer should contact Valley Forge Flag customer service at 800-352-4435. At this time the necessary parts will be sent to the consumer free of charge. You can also send an email to: info@valleyforgeflag.com. Be sure to include all pertinent information, including your mailing address.


Again, GOOD LUCK !!!


Robin
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[mattsaccount]

I suppose I could try the phone. I think it's been a bit over a week since I submitted my original inquiry. Thanks for the encouragement.