Vintage Valley Forge “76” Bennington American Flag, Bicentennial Era c. 1976
A wonderfully evocative piece of American Bicentennial history, this vintage “76” Bennington-style flag was made by the Valley Forge Flag Company of Spring City, Pennsylvania. Produced during the patriotic enthusiasm surrounding the nation’s 200th anniversary in 1976, the design draws from the famous Bennington flag tradition, with thirteen stars arranged around the large numerals “76.” The bold red, white, and blue composition has an unmistakably early-American character and makes an impressive piece of vintage Americana for display. The flag is constructed of 100% cotton and retains its original Valley Forge “Pioneer” maker’s label, identifying it as a 3 ft. x 5 ft. flag. Individual fabric panels form the stripes and blue canton, while the stars and oversized “76” are applied in contrasting white fabric. A reinforced canvas hoist fitted with metal grommets completes the construction. The cotton has developed considerable softness, fading, toning, and surface character over the years, giving the flag the authentic, well-used appearance that is particularly appealing in an antique or historic interior. The flag is in nice vintage condition with substantial wear consistent with age, use, and outdoor exposure. Most notably, there are significant tears and fabric losses within the striped field, including a long open tear toward the lower portion and additional separation and loss along the opposite lower edge. There is also general fading, discoloration, staining, wrinkling, and wear throughout. We have intentionally left these imperfections as found, as they contribute to the flag’s genuine vintage character and history. Despite the losses, it displays remarkably well and would make a striking wall hanging in a traditional, primitive, Americana, farmhouse, or collected interior. 56h x 32w x 1d Local delivery available for a fee or pick up Westfield MA Please contact me prior to purchasing with delivery address if you would like the item shipped to you. Shipping price listed is just an estimate. Thank you! Pearl City Antiques