1939 Works Progress Administration (WPA) Naval Lithograph Flags, Set of 122

Description

Very rare set of 124 WPA (Works Progress Administration 1935-1943) national ensigns (national flags) flown at ship sterns, and naval … more Very rare set of 124 WPA (Works Progress Administration 1935-1943) national ensigns (national flags) flown at ship sterns, and naval ensign flags, which differed in design for the same country. (2 German flags have been removed from the set due to offensive nature). There is a Danzig country flag, which dates this set to approximately 1939 as Danzig became Gdansk, Poland after that time. Two maps are missing from the set (Plate 4 and Plate 17), and two duplicates (Romania and Siam/Thailand) are included, very likely a relic of hand-assembly and the human error therein. 122 pieces set includes the duplicates and will be included in this listing for the buyer; only 96 are shown visually in the main image of this listing.

A fascinating relic of world history, quite beautifully hand-printed on “toothy” paper. These will be absolutely phenomenal framed individually or in smaller groups.

each lithograph is 11”W x 8.5”H

As shown, the set, framed, could take up as little as 7'-8' of wall width and extend floor to ceiling of a 10'H room easily. If framed with more generous mats, and arranged differently, these could be a combination of things including stand-ins for a headboard, fill-ins individually for an art wall, used in a dining room behind a buffet, etc.

We love this incredible set because of the rarity, vivid coloration, and unique history. They blend old world and new world beautifully and with one of a kind originality. We have not come across another set anywhere in the antiques/vintage market.

These feel like they could be as fresh as piece of Andy Warhol pop art, as referential as a painting by Robert Rauschenberg or Jasper Johns, or as classically American as a John James Audubon print collection. less