Delaware State Flag by William H Horstmann Company Circa Early 1900's
Item #: AA3874
Click on an image to enlarge
This is a Delaware state flag made by the William H. Horstmann Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The flag was manufactured in the early 1900's and measures 3' x 5'. The flag is made of wool bunting material and is machine sewn. It shows a yellow diamond shape on a field of dark blue. Centered within the yellow diamond is the coat of arms for the state of Delaware. Below the coat of arms is the date of December 7, 1787, the date Delaware ratified the constitution of the United States, making Delaware the first official state. Normally the colors of this state flag are "Continental" blue with a buff colored diamond. As stated earlier, this one is dark blue with a yellow diamond. A little research turns up that during the civil war some Delaware regiments carried flags similar to the state coat of arms on a blue field, like this flag. The coat of arms is hand painted onto the yellow diamond. The hoist is stenciled on the front side 3x5 ? and on the opposite side WM. H. HORSTMANN COMPANY/PHILA. There are two brass grommets, which suggest the flag is from the early 1900's. It is possible this was made for a Grand Army of the Republic Department of Delaware post. There is a small area of separation of the blue field from the hoist by the upper grommet. There are numerous holes in the flag, both in the blue and the yellow fields, the largest about the size of a quarter. The lettering of the date is still securely attached, no loose or broken stitching. The same can be said for the stitching throughout the flag. The colors are still very vibrant, to include the hand painted section. This one displays like a million bucks!
(Sold)