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USS Arizona (BB-39) [ATTRIBUTED] - Unserviceable 48-Star Naval Ensign. . ...
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$11,875.00
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Description
USS Arizona (BB-39) [ATTRIBUTED] - Unserviceable 48-Star Naval Ensign.This large 48-star ensign that the original collector, Dr. Clarence Rungee, attributed to the USS Arizona was acquired when he was sent flags from the "Unserviceable Flag Locker" at Pearl Harbor. This is an opportunity to acquire a flag associated with one of the most revered ships of the US Navy.
Prior to WWII, the U.S. Navy was able to supply most of its flag needs internally, as most navy yards had flag lofts, facilities where U.S. ensigns, jacks and commission pennants were manufactured. Some of these were quite large, like those at New York, Mare Island and Cavite in the Philippines. Besides manufacturing new flags, flag lofts also provided other textiles for the navy - awnings, boat covers, seat covers for officer gigs and barges, wardroom tablecloths, bags, etc. Flag lofts also repaired flags for reissue. The United States Navy regulations stipulated: "When United States ensigns, union jacks, or commission pennants are surveyed and condemned as unserviceable for government purposes, they shall be appraised as of no value and burned." Accordingly, most navy base flag lofts, including the base at Pearl Harbor, had an "Unserviceable Flag Locker".
This ensign is a 66" X 102" wool, 48-star, double appliqué, sewn stripe flag finished with a canvas roped header with a top ring and a bottom lead-line and snap. The flag is marked with an inscription that has largely been rendered illegible by being blacked out, with the exception of some letters at the end of the first blackout that seem to read, "USS ARIZONA". The flag is additionally marked "UN - SVC - FOR ISSUE". It is speculated that this flag was sent to the Pearl Harbor Flag Loft prior to 7 December 1941, as it does not show any signs of immersion common to the other known surviving USS Arizona ensigns and flags.
Over the course of her career, the USS Arizona was awarded: the World War I Victory Medal; American Defense Service Medal with FLEET clasp; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one campaign star.
This ensign is in Poor Condition - used, worn, torn. repaired and frayed with numerous holes and separations as well as substantial mothing.
This flag was formerly in the collection of Dr. Clarence Rungee, and is accompanied by his original museum inventory sheet with identifying information.
For those who did not receive a hard copy of the auction catalog, we present here the introductory comments and history of Dr. Rungee and his remarkable collection. If you scroll further, you will also find various contemporary newspaper articles, as well as a selection of the many letters of donation and transmittal which accompanied the collection and a categorization of the collection.
Auction Info
2019 December 14 Historic Flags of World War II Signature Auction - Dallas #6224 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2019
14th
Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 5
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 4,179
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $300,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $300,000 and $3,000,000, plus 12.5% of any amount over $3,000,000 per lot.
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