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7 star nautical commissioning pennant, made sometime in the period between WWI (U.S. involvement 1917-18) and WWII (U.S. involvement 1941-45). Commissioning pennants are the distinguishing mark of a commissioned U.S. Navy ship. A ship became commissioned when this pennant was hoisted. Flown during both times of peace and war, the only time the pennant is not flown is if a flag officer or civilian official is aboard and replaces it with their own flag.
Commissioning pennants were very important in their role as signals and thus needed to be seen from great distance. During the 18th and 19th centuries, they usually exceed ten feet in length, with some reaching as long as ninety feet. During the 1st quarter of the 20th they became largely ceremonial and customary. Most range between four feet (like this tiny example) and six feet in length. Today the largest commissioning pennants measure two-and-a-half inches by six feet.
Note that there are two sizes of stars, 4 larger and 3 smaller. Though the purpose is unknown, this arrangement is seen on many other commissioning pennants. It is interesting to note that according to the U.S. Navy, the reason for the choice of 7 stars was not recorded. I have always suspected that the number might reference the "7 Seas", though this is an ancient term and geographers disagree on the precise meaning. The number may just as likely have represented what seemed like a logical design choice when the overall length was substantially shortened.
This particular pennant appears to be made of wool bunting with cotton stars that are appliqued with a zigzag, machine stitch. There is a canvas binding on the hoist with a single metal grommet. As seen in the photos, the pennant is soiled and there are apparent moth holes located throughout.
This commissioning pennant came from the estate of Captain Ross Freeman of Newport, Rhode Island. His father (Ross Edmondston Freeman, Sr. 1912-1993) was at the Naval Academy in the 1930s and was a Captain in the US Navy.
Captain Ross Freeman, Jr. served in the United States Army and did three tours of Duty in the Vietnam War. Ross served as a Construction Engineer with the 1331 Combat Engr Unit Command. He earned a Purple Heart, an Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star and Vietnam service Medals. Ross loved his country and after his service actively supported numerous local Veteran groups. />
