48-Star U.S. Ensign – U.S. No. 12 MI 1941

Full view of the 48-star U.S. Navy ensign marked "U.S. No. 12 MI 1941". Made of coarse wool bunting in standard WWII proportions (approx. 76 × 122 cm).

1. Overview and Historical Context

This is an original American 48-star national flag (ensign), manufactured in 1941 during the United States' mobilization for World War II. The marking "U.S. No. 12 MI 1941" indicates:
– "U.S." = United States military designation
– "No. 12" = standard size classification
– "MI" = likely Michigan or Mare Island
– "1941" = year of production

2. Material and Construction

The flag is made from coarse wool bunting, consistent with wartime standards. Notable features:

• Printed stars on the blue field
• Individually sewn red and white stripes
• Reinforced stitching on edges and corners
• Metal grommet (likely aluminum or nickel-plated steel)
• Canvas hoist with stenciled marking

Reenforced stiching on the fly end

Close-up of the printed white stars. Sharp stencil lines and ink diffusion are consistent with 1940s military printing methods.

Stencil on the hoist: "U.S. No. 12 MI 1941". Indicates military production, likely from Mare Island. Detail of the metal grommet and reinforced hoist edge. Likely aluminum or nickel-plated steel.

3. Size and Marking

"No. 12" corresponds to a standard U.S. military flag size of approx. 30 × 48 inches (≈ 76 × 122 cm). The stenciled text is applied with black ink, and "MI" likely references Mare Island Naval Shipyard.

4. Year of Production: 1941

This flag was made in the same year as the Pearl Harbor attack. It reflects the U.S. transition into wartime production, emphasizing functionality and speed over ceremonial quality.

5. Condition and Wear

Light discoloration, mild staining, and signs of maritime exposure are visible. Hoist and edges remain intact and solid, with legible markings. The flag shows authentic signs of use but remains complete.

6. Size Comparison Table

Designation	Dimensions	Intended Use
No. 6	2.5 × 4 ft	Land vehicles
No. 12	30 × 48 in	Small boats, launches
No. 20	5 × 9.5 ft	Ceremonial, large ships

7. Authenticity and Evaluation

The flag meets all criteria of a genuine WWII-era U.S. naval ensign: correct materials, wartime markings, printed star field, and appropriate scale. No signs of reconstruction or alteration.

8. Conclusion

This 48-star "U.S. No. 12 MI 1941" flag is a rare, authentic example from the onset of American involvement in WWII. Its form, markings, and wear strongly indicate naval use, possibly originating from Mare Island.

9. Stitching and Technical Execution

The flag features double-stitched seams, reinforced corners, and color-matched thread for stripes. The canvas hoist is durable and clearly stamped. The grommet is typical for maritime applications.

10. "MI" – Mare Island Naval Shipyard

Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, California, was a major naval production site during WWII. It maintained its own textile facilities and frequently marked items with "MI". The high build quality and utilitarian finish match known Mare Island products.

11. Printed Stars – A Functional Wartime Choice

While many earlier and ceremonial U.S. flags feature appliquéd stars, this flag uses white stars printed directly onto the blue field. This choice reflects:

1. Wartime Industrial Efficiency

• Printed stars required only one step (stencil or screen print)
• Appliqué involved hand- or machine-placing 48 separate stars

→ Printing enabled faster and cheaper mass production

2. Functional Purpose

• This size flag (No. 12) was likely intended for small craft, shipyards, or training sites
• Not meant for ceremonial use, where appliqué was expected

→ Printed stars were fully adequate for visibility and identification

3. Military Acceptance

“Painted or printed stars and stripes are acceptable for flags below ceremonial grade if made of suitable cloth and of regulation dimensions.”
— U.S. War Department, 1942 directives

Printed star fields were standard and accepted for non-ceremonial flags during WWII, especially for smaller units.

4. Mare Island Production Traits

• Mare Island and similar West Coast facilities widely used stencil printing
• This method allowed rapid outfitting of ships without sewing bottlenecks

Conclusion: The printed stars are not a flaw but a deliberate and authentic feature of 1941 military production. They reinforce the flag’s identity as a utilitarian ensign, not a presentation piece.

12. Sources and References

• U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps Flag Specifications (1930s–1940s)
• Flags of the United States and Other National Flags (War Department, 1942)
• Smithsonian National Museum of American History – Flag Collection
• Military Standard MS-305 – U.S. Navy Flag Sizes (WWII Era)
• U.S. Navy Historical Center – Flag Tables
• Comparison with examples from Cowan’s, Heritage Auctions, WarFlags.com