AIR CORPS KIA PH GROUPING --- FLAG STARS GOLD ONE SIDE

[INIMICUS]

HAS GROMMETS ONE END, NO MARKINGS. THE STARS ON THE 'GOLD SIDE' ARE ALL EQUALLY THE SAME SHADE OF CHAMPAGNE, AS I'VE SEEN ON FLAG SITES. THREADS TO SEW THEM ON ARE ALL PERFECTLY WHITE. ALL THE 'WHITE SIDE' STARS ARE ALSO WHITE. THE WHITE STRIPES INCLUDE SEVERAL YELLOW 'GHOST' IMAGES OF THE GOLD STARS

 

THIS AIRMAN'S REMAINS, BURIED IN NEW GUINEA AFTER HIS B-17 CRASHED WERE REMOVED SOME TIME POSTWAR, FLOWN HOME THEN RE-INTERRED AT GETTYSBERG NATIONAL CEMATERY IN '48. I HEAR THESE FLAGS -- WHICH I UNDERSTAND ARE RARE -- WERE USED FOR MEN LIKE THIS TAIL-GUNNER.

 

RUMOR HAS IT THAT PRODUCTION WAS SMALL, SINCE SOME OFFICIAL COMPLAINED THAT GOLD STARS GOLD STARS WERE 'UNOFFICIAL' OR WHATEVER.

 

CO8U COUPLE MORE PIX TO COME,

 

THOGHTS? THANKS A LOT.

[INIMICUS]

THIS SHOULD DO IT...

[Mr.Jerry]

IMO The gold is just the discoloration of the stars. I have an example that has "random" placed stars that turned along with the white ones. It was something they used in the finishing of the stars.

[Dave]

I've seen several of these, to include one never removed from the original shipping box (the family opened the box when it was received, then sealed the box again without removing the flag). I don't mind the discoloration theory (it's as good as we have at the moment) but the coloring is very even, and it doesn't appear that particular storage dirt/soiling or UV damage caused the yellowing.

[bobgee]

Personally have never heard of this 'gold star' flag theory and agree it's likely age discoloration. Bobgee

[INIMICUS]

ok thanks a lot fellas. happy Indy Day.

[dhcoleterracina]

There have been many discussions about "Gold Star Flags" on different forums. Some people believe strongly in their existence. The overwhelming majority believe that the gold stars are caused by too heavy starch application during manufacture or similar chemical treatment. I've seen these with just one row of stars gold, or two or all. I've seen one two or all of the white stripes with the gold tone. I've seen some flags that transferred the gold star pattern to the matching side of the flag.

 

As said, some collectors strongly believe that these are intentionally made gold star flags to memorialize the death of a service member. I think they're cool and even bought one to have a type.