USA 48-Star Flag (Defiance Brand, 1942–1943)

Flag ID: FG-034

General Description

48-star United States flag from the World War II era, manufactured by Annin & Co. under the Defiance brand. Authentication and dating confirmed by vexillologist David B. Martucci (vexman.net), based on material composition and hardware details. Production estimated to have occurred in 1942–1943.

📐 Technical Specifications

Label Analysis

The attached Defiance label matches styles in use from approximately 1935–1943. This exact label is also documented on 1944 examples (Jeff Bridgman). The wording “Reg. U.S. Pat. Off – Two Ply – Moth Proof” aligns with WWII-era Annin production.

Grommet & Construction Details

Due to a wartime brass shortage, steel grommets replaced brass in American flag production from mid-1942 to early 1943. The presence of steel grommets restricts production to this specific period. Combined with the label type, these features support a high-confidence dating to 1942–1943.

Cross Reference – Mare Island Flag

Another 48-star flag, stenciled “MI 44,” was produced at Mare Island Navy Yard. That flag is a US Ensign No.12, typically used on PT boats, LCI, LCT and smaller naval vessels. It’s likely made of wool or heavy-duty cotton, and is clearly a military-issued flag. Compared to the Defiance version, the Mare Island type is heavier and features military stenciling.

Use in WWII Recruitment

Between 1942 and 1943, mass-produced 48-star flags were supplied to recruitment centers, government offices, schools, and public events across the United States. Brands like Defiance allowed municipalities and agencies to acquire standardized cotton flags for patriotic display.

Period advertisements described these as “war ready, regulation size, all-cotton, moth-proofed.” Flags of this type were commonly used in photographs and ceremonies alongside posters like “Uncle Sam Wants You.”

🖼️ Additional Images

Sources and References

🧾 Sources and References

• Appraisal by David B. Martucci (vexman.net) – Authentication and dating based on material and hardware (direct correspondence).
• JeffBridgman.com – 48-star Annin Defiance example (1944) – confirms label style and WWII usage.
• JeffBridgman.com – Annin label chronology, c.1935–1944 – supports matching typography and layout.
• USMilitariaForum.com – WWII flag grommet discussion – dating via steel vs. brass hardware.
• PremierRelics.com – Mare Island US Ensign No.9 (Jan 1944) – naval-issued comparison example.
• FlagGeek.net – Manufacturer label archive – full list of historical flag labels by brand.
• FlagGeek.net – Mare Island US Ensign No.12 (1944) – secondary comparison reference.

© 2025 FlagGeek / Kenny Ytrup – Licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0 .
Non-commercial sharing with attribution permitted. Commercial use requires permission.
External photographs remain under the rights of their respective holders and are reproduced here solely for scholarly research and documentation under quotation/fair use provisions.
August 6th, 2025