hink441 Posted July 21, 2020 Share #1 Posted July 21, 2020 Found this old vintage Admiral’s personal flag Halberd topper today. This one is really nice with some nice wear and tear. This finial topper is used for all USN Flag Officers except the CNO. This is an older one piece construction version. The more modern Halberds are two pieces fastened together. Link to post Share on other sites
Mr.Jerry Posted July 22, 2020 Share #2 Posted July 22, 2020 Nice piece and hard to find on the loose. Link to post Share on other sites
tdurbinmas Posted July 23, 2020 Share #3 Posted July 23, 2020 This style of finial was used on the front (bow) flag pole on launches and correspond to the highest ranking official onboard. Halberd: "The halberd is used for the flagstaffs of flag officers other than the CNO and fleet admirals and for civil officials entitled to a salute of at least 11 but not more than 17 guns. This ornament was used in the US Navy at least as early as 1853, when Japanese paintings show it topping the staff on which Commodore Matthew C. Perry's broad pennant was carried in processions during his expeditions to Japan. Nevertheless, the 1920 Navy Regulations stipulated the use of a lance head finial for flag officers' flagstaffs. The use of the halberd was restored with official blessing in a change to Navy Regulations issued on December 28, 1935." ***quoted from Joseph McMillan, Sea Flags website Link to post Share on other sites
hink441 Posted July 23, 2020 Author Share #4 Posted July 23, 2020 Thank you for all the comments. I also read that the halberd was re-introduced in the 1935 regulations. I however have been unable to find a picture of a halberd currently being used. Link to post Share on other sites
hink441 Posted July 23, 2020 Author Share #5 Posted July 23, 2020 I finally found a picture of the Pacific Fleet Admiral’s barge and it currently flies the halberd on the bow. It is hard to see but the halberd is there. Link to post Share on other sites
hink441 Posted July 23, 2020 Author Share #6 Posted July 23, 2020 I also found a picture of Admiral Nimitz’s barge from WW2. It looks like the halberd is flying atop the National Ensign on the stern. Link to post Share on other sites
hink441 Posted July 23, 2020 Author Share #7 Posted July 23, 2020 Went back to the antique shop and found this one in the same booth. Did not notice this one when I found the Admiral’s Halberd. This one is for a Navy Captain flag finial. Link to post Share on other sites
dhcoleterracina Posted July 31, 2020 Share #8 Posted July 31, 2020 I'd keep hitting that fishing hole. Link to post Share on other sites
hink441 Posted August 2, 2020 Author Share #9 Posted August 2, 2020 On 7/31/2020 at 4:13 PM, dhcoleterracina said: I'd keep hitting that fishing hole. You can bet I will !! Chris Link to post Share on other sites
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