Historical information by Dave Martucci

The 48-star version of the Whipple flag is the only one ever to go into production. A 46-star design is illustrated in Wayne Whipple’s 1910 book but that same book has the 48-star version on the cover. Whipple’s book makes reference to the design using the name “American History Flag.” He did not call it the “peace flag.”

Whipple’s book discussed the flag in terms of design and his idea was that the central 13 stars (in a form taken from the Great Seal of the USA [look at the back of a $1 bill]) represented the States that formed the Union, then a ring of 25 stars representing the 25 States that were admitted in the first 100 years of the country and then a ring of 10 stars for the 10 States that joined in the second hundred years (up to 1912), therefore he called it the History Flag. He went on to challenge all the boys and girls who read his book to come up with their ideas for a meaningful star arrangement.

The 48-star version made it into commercial distribution because a major flag producer like John Dettra was behind it. This version is the only one to be found. Throughout the internet, one can find photos of 48 star versions in auctions and elsewhere. But I see no 46-star versions. It seems that the 46-star version was one of those flags that gets designed but never actually gets made and distributed in a meaningful way.

V. L. Campbell, an agent for the Dettra Flag Company, took out a 7-year patent on March 6, 1917, that was the Whipple design in a pennant form. At about the same time, although I haven’t yet proven it completely, Wayne Whipple had a second edition of his 1910 book (still bearing the 1910 date) privately published with a new cover showing the 48-star version, identical to the patent design. My guess is the money to publish the book came from Dettra in trade for using the design on flags and pennants. Dettra produced both and I think the misnomer of “Whipple Peace Flag” may have come from Dettra who advertised the design in both forms as something to celebrate the end of the War in 1919. Whipple always called it the ‘History Flag’. I think the Whipple flag was one of the best latter-day Great Star Flags, basically the last in real production.

Features:

• Size: 3′ x 5′

• Material: Durable, lightweight nylon

• Design: Digitally dyed for bright, long-lasting color

• Heading: Reinforced polyester canvas

• Attachment: Brass grommets for secure hanging

Proudly made in the United States. This flag is made to order—please allow 7–14 days for delivery.

Larger sizes are available—please inquire for details.