Early Israeli Flag (Old Jerusalem)

Flag ID: FG-028

Material and Construction

This flag is constructed from a coarse cotton-linen blend, with all symbols machine-appliquéd. No markings are present. All traits point to small-scale, mid-century local production.

• Fabric: Coarse cotton or linen blend
• Symbols: Blue stripes and Star of David sewn on (appliqué)
• Stitching: Machine-stitched with slight variation in tension and alignment
• Hoist: Tunnel sleeve for rod or stick mounting (civilian type)
• Reinforcements: None present
• Markings: No tags, stamps, or labels
• Finish: Raw edges without lining or tape
• Dimensions: 95 × 133 cm (approx. 0.714 ratio)

1. Stitching and Construction (vs. Rungee)

The stitching is clearly mechanical, with slight variation in thread tension and alignment – typical of small tailors or semi-industrial workshops in the late 1940s Middle East. This matches documented Rungee flags from the same era:

The Star of David is appliquéd – not printed and not inlaid. It is stitched onto the fabric, with visible threadwork and secure bonding. The blue stripes are also stitched-on bands, and both ends exhibit subtle overlap – confirming handmade assembly.

No edge tape or reinforcement is applied; stitches reach all the way to the edge. This aligns precisely with known civilian-use flags from 1948–56.

▶️ Rungee comparison: Identical coarse cotton, blue tone, and hoist tunnel. No military fittings.

2. Dimensions and Proportions

The flag measures 95 × 133 cm, yielding a ratio of 0.714 – close to Israel’s official 8:11 (≈0.727).

The centered Star of David aligns with post-1948 national standards, occupying roughly two-thirds of the flag height.

Rungee examples from the early statehood era vary between 89×123 and 98×136 cm – all within tolerance of this flag’s size. The visual balance and layout match.

💡 This example is too clean for amateur work, yet too irregular for mass industry – fitting perfectly with a 1948–55 small shop origin.

3. Old Jerusalem Provenance

Every aspect of this flag supports usage in a private residence in Old Jerusalem post-1948:

The tunnel-hoist design was prevalent for window or balcony display – typical for narrow stone homes. No markings indicate military or export designation, which aligns with civilian use.

In Jerusalem 1948–49, local groups and tailors crafted flags by hand for marches, holidays, and cultural events. Households in Jewish areas of the Old City hung them from rooftops and windows – often in this format.

📜 If the origin story is true, it is backed 100 % by this flag’s dimensions, hoist, stitching, and material.

4. Comparison with Documented Examples

Clarence Rungee’s archive (1948–56):

• Flags were unmarked, sewn in cotton, and lacked reinforcement
• All used appliquéd symbols – not print
• Tunnel hoists were common for ceremonial and domestic flags
• Some were labeled “parade flags” or “household display”

Conclusion

FG-028 is an early ceremonial Israeli flag from the state’s formative years. Construction traits and origin story align with domestic display in Old Jerusalem. Its authenticity is supported by all physical traits, and it fits well into the visual and material history of early Israeli flags.

Additional Images

Sources and References

• Clarence Rungee private flag archives (1948–56 collection)
• Heritage Auctions listings for early Israeli flags (2020–2023)
• Visual Flag Index (VFI) – Israel section
• Israeli National Archives – Jerusalem independence documentation

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July 25th, 2025