U.S. Department of State - Ambassador's Flag.
This blue silk flag, fringed and heavily embroidered, is to be used by a U.S. ambassador or minister accredited to a foreign sovereign government. It displays what is commonly referred to as the "Great Seal of the United States", however this is an error as technically the metal die-cut seal is used and kept only by the Secretary of State at the Department of State in Washington, D.C. This image displayed on a white orb surrounded by 13 white 5-point stars is actually the coat of arms of the United States.

The practice of flag usage by U.S. diplomats originates with the U.S. Navy as they were originally responsible for transporting all ambassadors and ministers to their foreign posts. Originally, and throughout the 19th century, an accredited diplomat or consul was indicated by utilizing signals created by hoisting the U.S. ensign, or jack, at specific locations aboard a vessel, or in the bow of a small boat. Once ashore the ambassador or minister displayed the Stars and Stripes at his post. (See ZFC2414 for a U.S. Consular Flag.)

U.S. Foreign Service flags in use today evolved from these 19th century naval practices. The first of the Foreign Service flags were created for U.S. counsels in 1903. It was primarily "old glory blue", with a single ring of 13 white 5-point stars in the center of which was a large white "C". They were intended to have been used by U.S. counsels in foreign waters. (See ZFC2414 for a U.S. Consular Flag.)

In 1920 a distinctive flag of "old glory blue" with the coat of arms of the United States on a white circle flanked by two golden-yellow 5-point stars on either side was created for the Secretary of State. This flag was used until 1933 at which point it was replaced by a similar flag that had four white 5-point corner stars. This became the model for the U.S. Ambassador or Minister Flag.

In 1946 an automobile flag of blue with a single ring of 13 white 5-point stars was created for Foreign Service Officers representing an ambassador or minister. This was followed by the creation of the Ambassadorial and Ministerial flag seen here. Ambassadors head all U.S. diplomatic missions today, rendering the term "minister" outdated. Therefore all of these flags are known as Ambassadors flags.

This flag was formerly in the collection of James Mountain, of Ashburn, MA, a noted WWII General Officer SHAFE. Since the flag is dated after the end of WWII it is thought that it belonged to a U.S. General Officer that later served as a U.S. Ambassador. Sadly the name and posting of this individual are lost, but research will continue to try and identify the prior uses and owner of the flag.

The staff for this flag is ZFC3285. For other examples of this flag see ZFC0527 and ZFC3071

Provenance:

• Flag made for U.S State Dept.
• Acquired by James Mountain, Ashburnham, MA.
• James Mountain Collection, until 2009.
• Sold via Alderfer Auction, to the Zaricor Flag Collection, 2009.


Sources: