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Vintage Annin Defiance 50-Star American Flag — Cotton Bunting, Embroidered Stars, Sewn Stripes
A genuine vintage Annin & Co. Defiance brand 50-star American flag in 100% cotton bunting, made in Verona, New Jersey. The 50-star canton dates the flag to the post-1960 Hawaii statehood era, and the cotton bunting (rather than nylon) plus the classic Annin Since 1847 Pegasus tag place production in the 1960s to early 1980s window before Annin transitioned most production to nylon.
Construction
50 embroidered/appliquéd cotton stars on a deep blue canton in the staggered 9-row pattern
Fully sewn red and white stripes — not printed
Heavy canvas hoist with two solid brass grommets
Printed Annin tag: DEFIANCE / 100% Cotton
Bunting / Annin & Co. / Verona, N.J. / Since 1847 with the Pegasus logo
Specifications
MakerAnnin & Co., Verona NJ
BrandDefiance
Material100% Cotton Bunting
Stars50 — embroidered/appliquéd
Stripes13 — fully sewn
Approx. Size3 ft x 5 ft
HoistCanvas, two brass grommets
Era1960s – early 1980s
Condition
Aged patina with light fading consistent with display. Some minor staining/soiling and light wear at the fly end. Annin Defiance tag intact and legible. Please review all photos and zoom in on the close-ups for condition detail.
Why this flag matters to collectors
Annin & Co. is the oldest and largest U.S. flag manufacturer (founded 1847) and supplied flags for many historic moments. The cotton-bunting Defiance line with embroidered stars and sewn stripes was the premium tier before nylon took over — these are increasingly hard to find in clean original condition.
