What type of American flag is good for display in a shadow box or on a wall?

Dear Sarah:

There are number of materials from which flags are made. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Nylon - For flags intended to be flown outdoors, the material of choice is nylon. Nylon, a synthetic fiber, is tough and durable. One big advantage of nylon is the fact that it sheds water and dries faster than any other material – useful should the flag be caught in a sudden shower. Another advantage of nylon is its low weight-to-surface-area ratio. This means that the material is light in weight and able to wave proudly even in a light breeze.

Polyester – For flags that must fly outdoors in harsh environments, the better choice is polyester. Polyester, another synthetic fiber, is heavier than nylon, but also a little more durable.

Cotton – Our nation’s birth preceded the development of synthetic fibers, so the traditional material for flags has been cotton – mainly because cotton is lighter in weight than wool or linen.

Whereas the stars on nylon or polyester flags almost always are silk-screened, cotton flags with embroidered stars are readily available if you want that high-quality look. If you wish to fly your present nylon flag outdoors and procure a cotton flag with embroidered stars for indoor display, I think that would be the way to go.

As for the grommets: Flag manufacturers presume that their customers will want to display their flags on flagpoles or flagstaffs. Therefore, as a matter of course, they sew into the hoist end of the flag a reinforcing strip to prevent the flag from tearing in a high wind. The reinforcing strip includes brass grommets near the top and bottom of the strip to facilitate the connecting of the flag to the halyard.

However, some flags are made without grommets and reinforcing strips for certain specialized applications. For instance, the flags that are used to drape a veteran’s casket typically are made without grommets and reinforcing strips as their presence would complicate the ceremonial folding of the flag. You should have no trouble ordering a flag without grommets and reinforcing strips, if that is what you want.

As for brand names: Annin has been around a long time, but there are several other good manufacturers. Get on the Internet and shop around for the type of flag you want and the best price.

Flash Kellam

Shadow Box For Flag

There are display cases made specifically for flags.

Do your research on the Internet. Many vendors sell American flags of all sizes, materials, and qualities. You may even find local vendors, so you can see what you'd be buying.

An authentic military issue.

that one sounds okay to me