Today is Flag Day, the national holiday that commemorates the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777. Per Wikipedia, the Flag Resolution stated “That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” This week’s fresh to market vintage has a Bennington flag, likely bought and flown for the American Bicentennial in 1976.
If you’re in the market for a flag for America’s 250, you’ll never go wrong buying vintage. A vintage flag is more likely to be sewn, which has more character. It might have some aging on the white stripes, which has more character. It probably has stitched stars, which has more character. In case you missed it, we think vintage American flags have more character. They also more likely to be made in the US.
We wrote about flag facts and protocols for Flag Day a while ago, but they’re the same now as they were then, in case you need to brush up on your flag etiquette.
Antiqued Brass Shield Ring
Jewelry says something about your style and interests. To me, this ring says you might find me at the Renaissance Fair or perhaps watching Game of Thrones. It has vibes of Medieval Britain with a touch of Edwardian over-the-top style. Made of antiqued brass metal and set with amber colored rhinestones. This ring definitely makes a statement. What does your jewelry say about you?
Three Stone Shield Ring, $39.95
Pam, Vintage Renude
Vintage Ephemera, Lion Coffee Paper Doll Set c 1880s
A set of four “Old King Cole” nursery rhyme paper dolls issued by Lion Coffee in the 1880s. Unused and in very good vintage condition given their age. The colors are bright on the front, and the sales pitches are different and all legible on the backs. Interesting that the typography differs from card to card.
Victorian Paper Doll Set, $24
Name, Shop
1976 Repro of the Bennington Flag
The Bennington ’76 flag, is associated with the 1777 Battle of Bennington in the American Revolutionary War. It is distinguished by the 76 and thirteen 7-point stars in the canton, and the fact that there are 7 white and 6 red stripes (current versions of the Flag have 6 white and 7 red).
This reproduction was most likely made and flown in celebration of the American Bicentennial in 1976. It’s perfect to celebrate the 250th this year. It would make awesome indoor wall decor because of the authentic aging from use.
Reproduction Bennington Flag from the US Bicentennial, $75
Laurie, NextStage Vintage
1994 Umbro World Cup T-Shirt
Men’s World Cup madness has descended. From the first game on June 11 to the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey at 3 pm on July 19 (set a calendar reminder), the expanded field of 48 teams (not 32) will play 104 matches (not 64) across the US, Mexico and Canada. Worldwide, a viewership of 5 billion people is expected.
The last time the men competed in the US in 1994. Twenty-four teams played 52 matches, with a still standing record of almost 69,000 people attending games on average. (The Women’s World Cup was played in the US in 1998 and 2003.) The two most dominant stars of the 1994 tournament, Romário from Brazil and Roberto Baggio from Italy met up in the final, played at the Rose Bowl in 100° heat. The game was scoreless after the regulation 90 minutes. Still no score after the 30 minutes of extra time. This was the first World Cup ever decided by penalty kicks. Brazil led the shootout 3-2 when Baggio sent his shot over the crossbar, mathematically eliminating Italy. Romário was named the tournament MVP.
There! If you were to swagger into a World Cup viewing party wearing this shirt, we’ve provided enough info for you to show off your knowledge of football history.
Umbro 1994 US Men’s World Cup Soccer T-Shirt, $100.
Available from this week’s guest, VNTG SHOP
We love things like the Lion Coffee paper doll sets that are splendid in double-sided glass frames so you can take them off the wall and enjoy the sales pitch on the back. We love doing that with vintage postcards as well. And we are always up for making a statement with something like a vintage World Cup tee or regal ring.
It also makes a statement when you subscribe to our email newsletter. You get one email a week with links to all our posts from the previous week. And nary a bite of Spam ever. We would sooner go to a World Cup viewing party in a tutu and flippers than ever share your info.
