"Honneuraux Allies de la Grande Guerre" .

"Honneuraux Allies de la Grande Guerre" Chantilly Lace Embroidered Souvenir.
French Chantilly lace embroidered souvenirs, suitable for framing, were produced in Europe for sale to US dough boys (GIs) as a memento of their service. This piece shows a central panel with an inner emblem of two crossed flags on staffs; one each of U.S. and French, over a torch, presumably a symbol of victory. Rays of light surround the torch. Under the torch is a demi-wreath of leaves. The portion of the wreath under the US flag is in green, while those under the French flag are shown in blue. Over the wreath, on either side, are two artillery pieces. Extending from each are two uniform sleeves, one American olive drab, the other French blue. From each is a hand clasped in friendship.

Some of the bloodiest fighting of the First World War occurred in Belgium and France, devastating many industries, including luxury industries such as lace manufacturing. Machines were needed for the war effort and lace was not a war production item. Ironically, cottage-industry lace-making, which had already been in decline because of competition from mechanized lace production, underwent a brief revival as a result of the war.
Lace handkerchiefs, pillow covers, table covers and decorative commemoratives became a popular item for sale to Allied soldiers. Many of these were handmade and embroidered, like this example.

Provenance: Acquired at Internet auction, 1999.

ZFC Noteworthy Flag

Sources:

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Campbell, Gordon, The Grove Encyclopedia of Decorative Arts: Aalto to Kyoto pottery, Vol. 1, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2006.

Lace, Wikipedia, 23 April 2012, from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lace

Chantilly lace, Wikipedia, 23 April 2012, from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chantilly_lace

Image Credits:
Zaricor Flag Collection

Hoist & Fly
Width of Hoist	24.5
Length of Fly	25.25

Frame
Is it framed?	no

Stars
Are there stars on obverse?	no
Are there stars on reverse?	no

Stripes
Has a Blood Stripe?	no

Fabric
Fabric	Silk

Stitching
Stitching	Machine

Documentation
Documents	All original documents and drawings are held in the Zaricor Flag Collection Archives.
Drawings	All original documents and drawings are held in the Zaricor Flag Collection Archives.

Condition
Condition	Good
Displayable	yes