2 japanese flags value?

[afrikasandman]

Hey guys, i know this is kinda a hard one but i am looking for possible value on two japanese flags. I am going down with my old man to guttenberg iowa on the 28 to help him pick up this big ass safe he bought from a co-workers dad. They guy is of the age to be a ww2 vet but i don't know if he is or not. My dads coworker told me that his dad has 2 japanese flags that he may be willing to sell to me since i am a collector and know my dads coworker. If i get them they will not be for sale. My dad's co worker doesn't remember if they are the meat ball or the rising sun flags, he thought maybe 1 of each. He said that he knows one is pretty large and the other is small. I don't have any idea as to the size of the flags, so this makes it all the harder. He said he knows for sure that the smaller flag has a bunch of blood that splattered on it that has left some staining on the flag. Now this is the hard part for me, what do i offer the guy for the flags? I want to make him a fair offer, but with out knowing size and exactly what style they are its really hard for me. I don't generally collect japanese stuff, but with the option for these two flags i figure why the hell not. If anyone can give me an idea on what a large sized and smaller japanese flag could be and values to go by that would be great. I know its next to impossible to try to give a price range with out seeing conditon and the size and they type of material but i am hoping for a very general idea. Thanks for any help you guys can toss my way. Will let you all know if i end up with them, hoping to!!! Matt

[Paul G]

HI Matt,
Like you said pretty tough to gauge with little / no information. Heres a real ball park figure. I may be off abit, as I have not bought any flags in a while. Plain meatball flags in linen or silk in a personal size range between $60-$100, depending on condition. Signed meatballs range from $75-$200+ depending on condition, history, provenance, what is written on the flag, capture history, stamps, important signatures, ect. Its a very wide range, but you can probably go with your gut feeling on it. Generally spaeking, more signtures = more $$. Rayed flags bring more $$. Silk and linen personal sized flags are around $100-$200. Signed, rayed flags are pretty scarce, and have seen them sell for up to $600 recently. Once again all the above factors come into play. Larger unit size flags, and large Navy vessel flags I am out of touch with prices on these. Bloodied flags are worth what a person is willing to pay for it. Some wont pay a dime, others will pay premium prices for bloodied flags. Go with your gut, I would let the seller set the price, and see if you like his price or not. Hope this helps a bit.

PG-

[afrikasandman]

Paul, thanks for the info. I kinda figured i would see where he wanted to go with the price. To me bloodied flags are worth more, but that is just me. I wish i knew more about the flags that i may end up buying. I can't read any of the characters but will just see where the sale goes, if it goes at all. I can't make the guy sell them, but i do hope he does. I don't have any japanese flags and would like to add one or two. I am more interested in the ray flags but will take what ever i can get. Let you guys know next week if i get them. Matt

[Eric Doody]

Matt,

I recommend doing a search of completed eBay auctions as it will give you a feel for what some Japanese flags sold for.

Eric