US1009.)WWII ERA US COAST GUARD ENSIGN: note that this is not the current USCG flag per se but rather the older design USCG nautical ensign. We just picked this up at a maritime antiques shop in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. It's printed on canvas fabric (not the modern nylon material) and is the small craft size 14x26". Double-sided and with canvas bunting, brass grommets. No holes nor any rips to fabric, mild age from the years. Faintly ink stamped on the bunting with 'COAST GUARD ENSIGN No. 5' (flown on smaller, harbor and coastal craft). Note too that recently on Ebay an example just sold for $150.00 and it was printed nylon! I can send you the Ebay sale details if you ask. Nice period collectible. EXC++++

Does not glow under a black light. When testing a subject for the presence of post-war optical brighteners place a piece of white copy paper with the subject. The white paper will glow with a brilliant purple cast while this flag will only reflect a purple refection.

Dimensions: 15" x 24" (approx. 1.25 ft by 2 ft).
Vessel Types: Smaller patrol boats, utility boats, and small craft where larger flags would be disproportionate or unmanageable in high winds.
Purpose: It denotes the vessel's legal authority to perform maritime law enforcement, boardings, and custom duties