48-Star US Flag from the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot.
This large flag is a storm flag used on army posts during inclement weather. It is readily identifiable as a US government flag by the special size (5' X 9.5') and the distinctive hoist marking, "PHILA.QM.DEPOT" as well as the heavy, riveted, military style staples used on the upper and lower heading on the hoist edge.
This flag was made by the Philadelphia Quartermaster of the US Army in the late 1940s or early 1950s. It was used in the Korean War as an installation flag for use during bad weather. The condition of the flag suggests its use was infrequent. It was donated to the Star Spangled Banner Flag House by an unspecified source in 1981. This suggests a veteran or the family of a veteran gifted the flag upon the death of the veteran, which is a common practice by families in honor of the soldier who served.
The Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot was the designation used between 1926 and 1965 for the federal government's facility on the banks of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. It made a huge portion of the flags used by the United States Army during WWII and the Korean Conflict.
Provenance: Acquired by private purchase from Star Spangled Banner Flag House & Museum, 1998.
ZFC Important Flag
Sources:
Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot, Wikipedia, 22 April, 2012, from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Quartermaster_Depot
History of DLA Troop Support, Defense Logistics Agency, Troop Support , 22 April 2012, from: http://www.troopsupport.dla.mil/history.asp
Image Credits:
Zaricor Flag Collection
