U.S. Naval Jack with 48 Stars
This star-studded flag was produced for use on a ship, and its size makes a statement. This is the U.S. Navy Union Jack with 48 stars, arranged in six rows of eight. The impressive flag dates to the early to mid 20th century, as 48 stars were officially flown spanning WWI, WWII and the Korean War.
The U.S. Naval Jack, also known as the Union Jack, is flown when a ship is anchored or moored. On special occasions, a ship would be “dressed” to fly three flags at a time- an ensign on its stern, a jack at the bow and a commissioning pennant on the main mast. We have had the pleasure of acquiring and selling all three in various forms over our years in business. The term “jack” comes from the British, whose Royal Navy flies the canton of its ensign as a Union Jack, which was adopted by the U.S. Navy. The Union Jack is to match the dimensions of the canton of the ensign flown at the stern. The U.S. Union Jack was adopted on June 14, 1777, alongside the U.S. national flag itself.
We currently offer this U.S. Navy Jack for sale unframed- it measures 68” x 90”, and will need a large space to call home. If so desired, we can help you find a local framer to take on the job of framing this jack, using all of the archival materials we use for our shop.
Also check out this Nautical Ensign with 13 stars. This is commonly known as the U.S. Yacht Ensign, with a fouled anchor in a circle of thirteen stars. The U.S. Ensign is the official American flag, and international maritime law enforces its use for vessels owned by the U.S. government and military. However, independently owned boats may choose to hoist this Yacht Ensign in place or in addition to the national flag. The U.S. Yacht Ensign was created by an Act of Congress in August 1848, not necessarily designed to replace the national flag, but as a means of identifying the vessel’s nationality with a “distinguishing flag to be worn at the masthead.” The original purpose was to indicate that a boat was licensed by the Treasury Department, however nowadays captains choose to fly them regardless. The Navy eventually recognized the U.S. Yacht Ensign as a substitute for the national ensign in 1939 for recreational use.
