Items Similar to D-Day Flag, 1940s, one of the first American flags flown on June 6th, 1944.
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 15
D-Day Flag, 1940s, one of the first American flags flown on June 6th, 1944.
$381,018.96
$476,273.7020% Off
£280,000
£350,00020% Off
€327,223.27
€409,029.0920% Off
CA$526,892.07
CA$658,615.0820% Off
A$573,651.10
A$717,063.8720% Off
CHF 306,311.43
CHF 382,889.2920% Off
MX$6,924,867.16
MX$8,656,083.9520% Off
NOK 3,850,882.42
NOK 4,813,603.0220% Off
SEK 3,581,768.72
SEK 4,477,210.9020% Off
DKK 2,444,198.52
DKK 3,055,248.1520% Off
About the Item
An original, battle -scarred, 48 -star US flag from the minesweeper USS YMS -381, one of the first boats to start Operation Neptune. This flag is one of the rarest items from D -Day to ever surface. As the earliest flag from D -Day, it would have been one of the very first the Germans saw on that momentous day, signalling the impending invasion.
Uniquely, this flag comes with provenance that directly links it back to the Normandy Beaches, supported by a customs slip and an address label to New York City. What makes this flag even more extraordinary is its completeness - many D -Day flags have been found in tatters, yet this one remains intact, representing the start of D -Day in its entirety. No flag earlier in the mission is likely to surface, making this one of the most historic flags to emerge from this pivotal moment in history and the earliest flag from D-Day a collector could have.
More than just a symbol, this flag embodies the courage and sacrifice of the D-Day mission - an irreplaceable artifact of history
Flown on USS-YMS-381, one of the first vessels to enter the assault channels at Utah Beach on D-Day, this battle-worn, 48-star U.S. flag is a rare and significant piece of military history. Its provenance sets it apart: it is the earliest known American flag from D-Day to ever surface, and uniquely, it is the only flag flown from a minesweeper vessel to ever surface for sale. This makes it an artifact unlike any other, with historical weight far beyond its fabric.
The flag comes with customs documentation that traces its origin directly to the Normandy beaches, where Captain William Beckham sent it home in September 1944. This direct link to the events of June 6, 1944—when the flag was among the first to be seen by German forces—is confirmed through careful research and verification. As one of the first flags to fly on the French coast during the D-Day landings, it was part of the early waves of vessels involved in Operation Neptune, the maritime portion of the broader Operation Overlord.
In addition to its extraordinary provenance, this flag is in remarkable condition for its age and use. With metal grommets and a 30-inch masthead, the flag bears the faintly visible stamp “US Ensign,” further confirming its military authenticity. It was mailed back to a recipient in Tarrytown, NY, in September 1944, accompanied by its original signed U.S. Customs Declaration slip and address label—all of which have been preserved, offering a rare glimpse into the personal and official documentation tied to this artifact.
This flag is the only known flag to surface from D-Day to have verifiable evidence supporting its direct use during the D-Day landings, making it a truly unique piece. As such, it carries a rare combination of historical importance, authenticity, and condition. Offered for £350,000, it is a remarkable opportunity to acquire one of the most significant flags to have ever flown on the Normandy beaches, a lasting symbol of courage and strategy at the heart of D-Day.
- Creator:United States Navy (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 57 in (144.78 cm)Depth: 0.5 in (1.27 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1940s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU8638243616612
About the Seller
No Reviews Yet
Vetted Professional Seller
Every seller passes strict standards for authenticity and reliability
1stDibs seller since 2023
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: London, United Kingdom
- Return Policy
More From This Seller
View AllOrigin of Species 1859, first edition, first issue, SIGNED
Located in London, GB
The most important book ever printed, and the closest you will ever come to owning a signed copy.
In On the Origin of Species, published in 1859, Darwin first set out the theory of ...
Category
Antique 1850s Books
Materials
Paper
Frank Sinatra 1989, original photograph, signed and numbered by Terry O
Neill.
By Terry O
Neill
Located in London, GB
This photograph features the renowned Frank Sinatra performing on stage in London, captured by Terry O'Neill in a now iconic shot. The composition is remarkable, with the silhouette ...
Category
20th Century Photography
Materials
Paper
You May Also Like
Antique 1912 Wool 48-Star American Flag, Rare Pre-Standard Collectible
Located in Doha, QA
This exceptional historic American flag, measuring 145 cm by 83 cm, is most likely made before 1912, based on its early craftsmanship and material characteristics. The unevenly arran...
Category
Early 20th Century American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Wool
Homemade, Antique American Flag with Exceptional Folk Qualities, 1896-1908
Located in York County, PA
HOMEMADE, ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH A TINY CANTON RESTING ON THE 6TH STRIPE AND AN EXTREMELY FOLKY PRESENTATION OF 45 STARS IN A “NOTCHED” PATTERN THAT MIGHT BE UNIQUE TO THIS EXAMP...
Category
Antique 1890s American Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Cotton
Early 20th C. Monumental American Flag with 48 Stars, c.1940-1950
Located in San Francisco, CA
About
This is an original monumental American flag made with 48 hand sewn stars and stripes. It is in good condition and has brass grommets to hang.
Creator unknown.
Date of m...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Brass
Early 20th c. Monumental American Flag with 48 Stars, c.1940-1950
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
This is an original monumental American flag made by Valley Forge Co. with 48 hand sewn stars and stripes. It is in good condition and has metal grommets to hang.
CREATO...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Fabric
42-Star American Parade Flag, Commemorating Washington Statehood, 1889
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is an uncommon 42-star flag, commemorating the addition of the state of Washington to the Union. The flag dates to 1889-1890, and is printed on cotton. The canton consists of s...
Category
Antique 1880s American Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Cotton
Exceptional American Flag, 38 Stars in 3 Sizes in a Fantastic, Unusual Medallion
Located in York County, PA
EXCEPTIONAL ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH 38 GLAZED COTTON STARS, IN 3 DIFFERENT SIZES, ARRANGED IN A BEAUTIFULLY GRAPHIC, DOUBLE-WREATH STYLE MEDALLION, WITH TRIANGLES OF 4 STARS IN ...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century North American Political and Patriotic Memorab...
Materials
Silk
More Ways To Browse
Vintage Flag Flags
Vintage American Memorabilia
Vornado Fan
Antique Beer Memorabilia
Antique Cowboy Collectibles
Antique Fire Alarm
Antique Masonic Collectables
Christmas Tree Topper
Historical Flask
John Adams President
Police Memorabilia
Shell Casing Trench Art
Space Age Tv
T C F Co Antique Furniture
Texas Republic
Vintage Oil Can
Wine Memorabilia
Antique Barber Collectibles