Rayon flags? What the...

[Frontkämpfer]

I have these two Japanese flags. One is an army rising sun, the other is a signed meatball. They are roughly 3X3 Ft each. They are original and have period faux leather corners just like others I have seen. What I don't understand is they appear to be made of rayon? Both were bought from different places. 99% of the ones I see for sale are advertised as cotton or silk, so how the heck did I just happen to get two rayon flags? I am confused.



Is it just shiny cotton, or are they in fact both rayon?

If they are rayon, how common are rayon flags for WWII?


Thank you
Justin

[Stu W]

Rayon is often refereed to as artificial silk. I think it's likely there could be some mis-describing of flags when it comes to the material composition.

Yours look more like linen to me but I'm no expert in material. Get Mike B to comment. I'm sure he will be able to educate us all on the topic.

Regards,
Stu

[Frontkämpfer]

Rayon is often refereed to as artificial silk. I think it's likely there could be some mis-describing of flags when it comes to the material composition.

Yours look more like linen to me but I'm no expert in material. Get Mike B to comment. I'm sure he will be able to educate us all on the topic.

Regards,
Stu

Thank you Stu. I sure would appreciate an education on the fabric types for WWII flags.


Justin

[Frontkämpfer]

Anyone?

[MikeB]

Rayon Flags?

Word War Two era flags were commonly made from from wool, cotton, silk or rayon. Stu is correct; in the old days, rayon was known as artificial silk. It is made by a process whereby plant cellulose is ground into a pulp. Chemicals are mixed into the composition, and in the end you have what is termed, an artificial silk material. Many years after it was first manufactured, the material came to be known as rayon. Real silk, of course is made from the casings of the silk worm/moth. Textile experts rely upon the "burn technique" to determine whether a material is rayon or real silk. I don't recommend testing it on your good luck flags, however. Real silk will burn, shrivel and smell like burned hair. Rayon, since it's made from plant material, will turn to ash like paper when it's burned. Visually, silk tends to darken over time. It can go from a nice white to a brownish or dirty white shade. Rayon tends to stay bright white in color. Both silk and rayon flags can be found in bright white condition. That is why this can only be used in combination with the other factors. As I alluded, there are other distinguishing characteristics to differentiate the two, but those listed here are the most common ones. Hope this helps. MikeB

[Frontkämpfer]

I appreciate the detailed information Mike. I am fairly certain the flags are not silk, as I have other silk flags to compare them to. If they are indeed rayon, was this a common material used in WWII for flags?


Thank you
Justin

[MikeB]

Rayon flags?

Hi Justin-
Yes, rayon was a fairly common textile used during the War. I would say, however, that most flags seem to have been made from silk followed fairly closely behind by cotton and then rayon. That is my opinion based upon examining the various examples in my collection. Maybe others out there can give their opinions on this one as well. MikeB