Scale dimensions for the Star Spangled Banner

[PRGringo]

One of the flags that I plan to make will be an accurate as possible replica of the 15 star/15 stripe Star Spangled Banner.

The Smithsonian states the original size was 30 feet by 42 feet. I wish to fab a flag about 36" on the fly side. My question is (because I am terrible at math) what would the length be, given this scale? Anyone care to please calculate this for me? My guess would be around 46"?

The stars in the canton of the original measure 2 feet. Anyone willing to please calculate the size I would need to make these based on the ratio of the overall flag?

Now, assuming that the canton is a true square, I will make the canton the same height and width as the 8 horizontal stripes.

Thank you for your help in allowing me to make an accurate, scaled-down version of this historic flag!

[Robin Hickman]

...

30x42 = 5/7 Ratio

30 = Hoist (height)
42 = Fly (length)

30/6 = 5
42/6 = 7

5::7 Hoist-to-Fly ratio.

If the hoist were to be 35", then the fly would be 49".

35/7 = 5 (hoist)
49/7 = 7 (fly)

If the fly were to be 35", then the hoist would be 25".

35/5 = 7 (fly)
25/5 = 5 (hoist)


Does THAT help???

Robin Hickman
Eugene, Oregon, USA
...

[PRGringo]

Thank you, Robin. That is exactly what I needed. I do apologize for my incorrect use of Fly versus Hoist. I do mean a hoist of 35/7" which translates to 49/7" on the length of the stripes or fly.

I would have figured it out eventually but it takes me more time than most.

[Robin Hickman]

...
Whatever the hoist is and knowing that there are 15 stripes should make the "math" fairly easy as far as the stripes width.

Knowing the width of the stripes will help determine the "hoist" of the Union since it is eight stripes "deep".

Just remember that the 15 Stars are "dancing"!

220px-StarSpangledBannerFlag_svg.png


If you'd like to buy an American Made, 3'x5', nylon, sewn & embroidered, 15-star "Star-Spangled Banner" flag for only $8.50 (+S&H), you can find one at the Allied Flag Company's on-line U.S. Flag Store:

Star Spangled Banner 3' x 5' Nylon | USFlagstore.com

Why so "cheep"? I don't know for sure, but I suspect that it might be related to the 15 stars (non-dancing) in the Union and the slightly "aged" off-white stripes.




Have FUN !!!


Robin Hickman
Eugene, Oregon, USA

[PRGringo]

Thanks, Robin! Yes, there are inexpensive flags out there with non-dancing star but that is why I want to make my own to have one just the same as the original.

The aspect ratio is interesting and I see that there are at least 2 other flags that share that aspect ratio, the 20 star Great Star flag and the Grand Union flag.

I will keep everyone apprised of the project when I start it.

[PRGringo]

PS: I did order the flag that was on sale. That's a good price!

[NAVA1974]

Steve,
When you finish your Star Spangled Banner replica are you going to cut off pieces and give them away as souvenirs like the Armistead and Appleton families did?

Seriously now, why don't you check with Ft. McHenry and ask them if they will fly your flag from their flag pole? Here is their website:
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (U.S. National Park Service)

By the way, Baltimore flagmaker F.W. Haxel is selling replicas with dancing stars: 3 ft. x 5 ft. Star Spangled Banner Flag

Nick A
Columbia Maryland

[coasterville]

I think I paid $36 for my cotton star spangled banner with dancing stars (Annin). There is a thread about it somewhere in the archives of these forums as we had pretty lively discussion at the time.

It like a lot of modern flags is 3x5. So, did 3x5 become the de facto standard because of that whole mass production thing, asthetics (we are used to that aspect ratio, or what. I know even our flag isn't that ratio if you buy G Spec, so why is just about every commercial flag is 3x5 no matter what flag it is.

[PRGringo]

Steve,
When you finish your Star Spangled Banner replica are you going to cut off pieces and give them away as souvenirs like the Armistead and Appleton families did?

Seriously now, why don't you check with Ft. McHenry and ask them if they will fly your flag from their flag pole? Here is their website:
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (U.S. National Park Service)



By the way, Baltimore flagmaker F.W. Haxel is selling replicas with dancing stars: 3 ft. x 5 ft. Star Spangled Banner Flag

Nick A
Columbia Maryland

That would be one way to cut it down to size!

I definitely will ask them if I can. I hope to visit there sometime in the future.

I did and because I am a sucker for historical flags, I bought one. I may still make one or maybe I will alter this one to the proper size!

Thanks for the info!

[PRGringo]

I think I paid $36 for my cotton star spangled banner with dancing stars (Annin). There is a thread about it somewhere in the archives of these forums as we had pretty lively discussion at the time.

It like a lot of modern flags is 3x5. So, did 3x5 become the de facto standard because of that whole mass production thing, asthetics (we are used to that aspect ratio, or what. I know even our flag isn't that ratio if you buy G Spec, so why is just about every commercial flag is 3x5 no matter what flag it is.

$36 is a good price for what you got. I still think I can make a flag for under $20 in material/ My time is free so it is cheaper for me than buying a 38 star, for example at $50 to $80 a pop.

I understand the economics but after learning all that I have here and through research, I want to make some accurate replicas. They won't look bad as long as they are viewed at a distance!