Great post! I can only tell you, my first pennants given to me as a very young kid in the mid-late 70s ... were all bought at Veterans Stadium souvenir stands, and they are all marked “VET”. I still own 3-4 of them.

I am from Ohio but I got my “M” marked pennant at least 20 years after I left the Buckeye State.

Rob,
That’s a great pennant and a tougher variation of the 1936 Yankees that is normally seen.

PS: I sent you a PM.

Charles Shear
 

That's a beauty, Rob. I did some research on Charles Shear that I recently included as an update to my piece on Trench Mfg. Co.

Charles Shear came to the US as an immigrant boy. He started a business in New York City under his name that would grow into one of the nation's largest novelty operators. In particular, Shear's business focused on concessions; he sold novelty items at fairs, festivals, concerts, theaters, and of course, ballparks. In that sense, they were similar to Sportservice, another concessionaire that Trench made pennants for.

As with Sportservice, Shear didn't make his own pennants; rather, he just sold them. From the looks of things, he ran the concession operations at nearby ballparks, like Yankee Stadium and the Polo Grounds, throughout the 1930s. It's no coincidence that most of the pennants tagged with his name involve one of the three New York baseball teams; or, their World Series opponent. I suspect these pennants would have been sold directly at these events.

Back to your pennant. This '36/Yankees AL champions pennant is the earliest professional baseball pennant by Trench that I know of. Trench made similar ones like this into the 1940s and 50s for a variety of other baseball teams; however, most bear no maker's or concessionaire's marks at all (the Chas. Shear concessionaire's mark seems to disappear by the mid-1940s). Most of this series were 9" x 26" in length.

Additionally, this would have been a premium pennant in 1936. Just look at how many different colors the artwork features. Most other pennant makers were making one-color graphic designs. Yours has at least five!

Hey, pennant guys
 

When I read this post yesterday, it reminded me of a pennant I once owned with ‘Canteen Corp’ located on it. And as I went back to find a photo of it, I revisited a message football Rob sent me indicating your https://pennantfever.weebly.com blog referenced the company as a concessionaire.

I finally was able to spent some time today reading most of the pennant manufactures’ history. First, the content is amazing. The time, passion, and articulation is second to none. I learned so much about a hobby I really enjoy - it makes me appreciate it even more. And I think a few of my pennants are pictured. :) Specially, when I was reading about Trench, the lack of consistency using maker’s marks, mark variations, and how competitors often copied design, it was apparent to me why so many subtle differences exist. This was also emphasized in the ADFLAG ‘copycat’ section.

To my point, has anybody else noticed this slight variations on some football ‘number 12’ pennants? I used to own two NY Giants pennants, you’ll notice the forth and smallest players have different numbers (10 and 12). It also looks like in the Trench section of the blog, the ‘number 12’ pennant - Notre Dame example - the forth and smallest player may have number 35? Additionally, the ‘N’ on New York is seems slightly different on each. Finally, the left foot of the main player also appears to be slightly different on each pennant, too (you may have to zoom in on the first photo)

Any thoughts or theories about this? Do you think Trench made all these pennants (the two Giants pennants both have tassels) or would a copycat version slipped in? It’s interesting to me that the least visible player was the one altered. But maybe this was common practice? Sorry if this was discussed before.
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^^^^ I have no theories on the makers :( but I notice #12’s uniform wrinkles are also slightly different.

The Steelers and Packers all have the same variation to this style of pennant. Those two along with the Giants seem to be the most common teams in this style. They're the only teams I can think of with multiple versions of this pennant. Others...Cowboys, Cardinals, Vikings have just one. At least that I've seen. There are quite a few teams I've never seen in this style. Bears, Lions, Rams, Redskins, Colts, 49ers, etc.

Aw shucks, thanks Erik for the kind words. If the info from my site helps you appreciate pennants more than you already do, then that was precisely my intention.

Someone on this thread once commented that, "Quality control was not necessarily part of the manufacturing process," when these souvenirs were made 50+ years ago. And it's so true. Back then, the artwork was drawn by humans; the felt was cut by hand; and the screen printing process itself ensured a limited degree of variation from one job to the next. Some makers even sold the imperfect stuff for a discount.

Perhaps the biggest area for variation concerns secondary color applications. Most of these 1950s/60s pennants by Trench were screen printed with a white base layer; then air brushed with 3-4 more colors topping that base layer. If the air brusher swiped the gun too fast, or the gun was running low on a certain color, the coloring would come out different from the previous pennant.

I think that's probably why, on your NY Giants pennants, the shoes differ. Clearly the black paint either ran out on the applicator; or else they opted to skip this color in the interest of time, money, etc. I've definitely caught similar variations in other Trench pennants over the years that left me scratching my head.

Since we are talking about pennants with labels, here’s a Brooklyn pennant - not quite full-size but not 3/4 either ... 10-3/4” by 26-3/4” ... made by a company in Yonkers.

Norsid
 

I have never seen that Brooklyn Dodgers pennant. Ever. :eek:

I have seen Norsid labels before; but, never once on a Dodgers pennant. I mostly recall seeing their label on collegiate pennants from the 1940s, 50s and 60s.

Anyone else seen this label on MLB pennants before? I feel like I've seen that artwork before, too....

Are you saying the Steelers and Packers have the same ‘4th player number variation’ as the Giants pennants I posted? Thanks, Rob!

Yep...

Yes, and regarding that NY Giants pennant, there's a white shoes vs. black shoes issue as well. So many subtle variations on these vintage beauties!

Domer was right about this being a premium pennant. I count no less than 8 colors in the graphic image (most I've ever seen)…

Green
White
Tan
Burgundy
Blue
Grey
Brown
Brick Red

Must've been a very intricate and ambitious screening process back in the day. A beautiful and high quality pennant!

Erik was referencing the other (player’s left) shoe. :cool:

Well I’m color blind so all this color talk of shoes and color schemes is boring...[emoji12]

But I do appreciate everybody’s thoughts and responses. And I hadn’t thought about the lack of consistency that surly existed when these pennants were produced. How cool would it have been to be at one of those manufactures during their heyday!?

Hey, pennant guys
 

I have not, but there are many more seasoned eyes here than me.

Decorating tips
 

Found this rare example of the original, unopened packaging for a National League set of mini-pennants by Trench. These were issued in the 1970s.

On the reverse-side of the packaging, note the handy decorating tips Trench offers you the consumer.... :D

Gotta love the pipe-smoking husband admiring his pennant wheel. I'm sure his wife is proud.

That’s a great find! So I assume these were sold in dime stores or such?

49ers
 

A somewhat recent pickup showing how nice the sky and trees look in California (and maybe the 49ers team as well).

Beautiful pennant Marc! It got me thinking ... I have some old football pennants but not many. I have seen only a couple football scroll pennants in my years collecting. I think they were both AAFC pennants, Browns and Bills. Anyone know or have any others?

There are very few true “scroll” football pennants except for the ones you mentioned until you get to the late 70-80’s. There are a couple with names on them, but for the most part football pennants are very bla. Honestly I can only think of those ones you mentioned that are scroll style.

My only football scroll pennant is college, not NFL. I know that Fballguy has the 1950 Kentucky Orange Bowl scroll pennant that goes along with this one.

As I sit bored out of my mind endlessly watching re runs of World Series and other notable games from all sports, I was watching Ken Burns Baseball on MLB. They were and are focusing on Jackie Robinson and they showed a young fan holding this Dodgers pennant. I always like when I see vintage pennants in photos or film coverage. Can’t help with the Dodgers, as I am strictly a Yankee collector when it comes to pennants so I have the matching version. I’d be interested in seeing other photos or film stills that show vintage pennants that others have.

I forgot about college. Now that you mention it, there are a number of Bowl games that I can remember. Nice pennant.

Hey Marc,

I have the sister pennant to the your 1950 Orange Bowl (featuring Babe Parilli). A good looking pair, if you ask me.

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This is what I had on my computer....

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[QUOTE=bobw;1968588]This is what I had on my computer....

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Great pics, Bob! That first picture appears to have been taken in 1958'ish outside Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles. Those trumpets you see the participants playing were a foot long and made of brass. Each sold for $1.00. Capable of playing six notes, they came with instructions for playing, "CHARGE!"

They were an instant hit with fans. Unfortunately, they also shattered on impact; and they sounded less like a bugle, and more like a kazoo. So they had to stop selling them.

What did you expect for a dollar?

Now those Trench pennants the vendor's also offering--can't go wrong there.

I don't have many photos, but here are a few.

I'd love to see what baseball Rob has for the Giants

Here are a few I've found...

Here’s one.

I LOVE THIS GIVE ME MORE!

I have been trying to find a pic I just saw in a video, Glory of Their Times, a bunch of fans with oversized Red Sox “Royal Rooters” pennants. I skimmed through it but can’t find it. I’ll keep trying. But these pics are great, esp. the Colt 45s ... I did notice that the Dodger vendor had what appears to be two different pennant styles for sale ... all of the pennants match in design except for the Dodgers.

A few from Getty
 

Sorry for the huge size.....

1947

https://media.gettyimages.com/photos...62?s=2048x2048

1947

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1950

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This one is pretty cool.

A few more...

Incredible stuff, everybody... this thread somehow just keeps getting better!

Here's my only related pic... Cleveland Indians personnel unpacking a treasure trove of pennants and souvenirs to be sold at the 1954 World Series. Sure wish we could go back in time, and raid the place!

And the second pic is of one of the pennants seen in the image. If you look hard, you'll find it!

I also loved this pic, posted by Bob W from 1950. The Brooklyn Bum Pennant is obscured, but is definitely in the Vendor's right hand. Note the little Swinging Batter towards the tail, and the bottom-half font of "Brooklyn". A perfect match, even though the magnificent Bum isn't visible.

This is the rarest version of the Bum to be found on a pennant (IMHO), and it's great to know that it's from 1950! Great stuff... let's keep it coming!

Agreed Mark! At least maybe this stupid virus is good for something bringing all these awesome pics out of the woodwork. How bout a pennant and banner combo from series time in cincy!

A few more
 

1960

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Not sure if these were real or movie props

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REAL.... that last picture is fantastic!

Here are both of the Pennants from that great photo. Too bad the photo is B&W because the actual colors are gorgeous!

Fantastic, Chris!

That pennant is so rare in red (normally it's blue), and it looks great with the blue tassels. Very cool patriotic look. And the Banner is the best I've ever seen. I have never been able to find one that's not ripped to shreds, badly stained, terribly faded, or full of holes.

Yours must be the best extant, and to have the matching pics.... WOW!

There are so many things I love about this last day's posts...

That batch of Indians Pennants is by far the rarest variation from 1948. Just insane to see that many together!

Great photo evidence of pennants being sold, some of which have a blunt tip. We knew that maybe 10% were made that way, and great to see the photos bear it out.

Amazing to see which pennants coincided with others time-wise. Some that you might think were older were actually sold into the early '60s. Really cool to see these overlaps.

Thanks to all for posting these wonderful photos!

Nevermind…

Don't want to hog the thread with stuff that maybe 3 people might care about.

Rooters in New York.

Without question, today was the greatest day in Hey Pennant Guys history, only to be surpassed when Mark S. posts pics of his ENTIRE collection! (Speaking of which, Mark, time for another sale???)

1947

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1962 WS

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1964 WS

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federal league
 

Notice this pennant on the back wall.

It’s funny that you never see pennants with their original sticks anymore.

I’ll try to dig up some old photos in the next couple of days.

There are more than 3 who would care...

A few more
 

Here are a few more I found online. The Giants pennant pic is from 1951.

1916 World Series pics
 

Oh man, how can anyone follow the burlesque girl waving the O's pennant in downtown Baltimore....

Here goes. Here's a picture taken at game #1 of the 1916 World Series, Brooklyn (NL) at Boston (AL)--although the game was played at Braves Field rather than Fenway to accommodate a bigger crowd. The woman on the far right is the wife of one of the principal owners, Ed McKeever. Before her and her entourage are no less than five Brooklyn pennants. As far as I know, only one has survived the past 100+ years: the blue "BROOKLYN" + batter pennant shown below (in the photo, it's hiding in the second row, between the ladies in front).

The pair of "BROOKLYN" + crossed bats pennants I've never seen anywhere before; and the same goes for the pair of identical 1916 National League Champion "Dodgers" pennants hanging from the railing. I have, however, seen their Red Sox mate. The 1916 sox version is shown below. It appears to be a higher quality version of the Brooklyn one in that it is two-piece and multicolored. (I suspect the Brooklyn version was hastily thrown together at the season's end, when time was limited.)

If anyone owns or has seen either of these this century, I imagine it'd be someone following this thread.

(For a higher resolution photo, see: https://loc.gov/pictures/resource/gg...?loclr=blogpic )

Domer05
The vintage Brooklyn blue pennant with the batter is outstanding!!!!!

Holy mackerel ... what would that white 1916 Dodgers pennant fetch in auction? I’d guess $20K

Here's a couple...

Still looking for this issue of "Seater" magazine. The two ladies are circa. 1958. The one is wearing a Seals hat.

Thanks, Mark. Finding companion pieces for anything is one of my favorite aspects of the hobby and I have no doubt that this pennant thread is far and away the best on the memorabilia side of things. AMAZING stuff fellas...

1953 Baseball Vendors
 

A Classic.

A few more pics...

I lost out on the big one from some sort of big wig gathering.

I also lost out on the Holiday Casino. Those folks were headed to Opening Day 1958. Still one of my most wanted pennants.

The "The GIANTS our CHAMPS" is dated to April 9, 1963. One lady had a '62 NL Champs pennant.

Rob- what pennant is that in the "Giants Our Champs" pic? I can't quite make it out.

Is it the Orange one of these?

And why the Colts?

This 'un:

Great photos. Exactly what I was hoping for. Please remember to reference the exact date if it is available. Exact year is good too. These answer a lot of dating questions for those taking notes. It’s great to put exact dates with stuff we’ve all been assuming over the years. Thanks guys.

Opening Day 1963 vs. Houston. Then, I guess they were hoping for a WS rematch.

October 1949
 

From Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Attachment 393755

Rick

WOW! Thanks everyone for all the great pictures. Very uplifting during this no spring baseball vacuum I 'm stuck in.

A few goodies from all over....

1913 Phila. Athletics pennant
1972 Oak. Athletics pennant
1980 Oak. Raiders Pennant
1980 Phila. Phillies pennant (for you, Greg :) )

Ooops… I almost forgot about this one.

To locate a photo of this Single-day Exhibition Pennant from 1915 was beyond a "needle in a haystack". Many thanks to the venerable Dave E. of our forum, for amazingly finding and sharing it!

Almost gives me chills to think that this pennant was displayed in those very stands in 1915, to watch Matty pitch against the likes of Crawford, Veach and Cobb!

Awesomeness...

These are truly amazing to see. Especially this last picture! Thanks to all who have provided photos for us to appreciate and learn!

What's the reason for this game exactly? Was it a mid-season fundraiser for ... the war effort?

It made me curious too, I found this......can you imagine that happening now...a company giving employees off with full pay to go watch a ball game....

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A few stragglers
 

1951

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1942 Ft Worth Cats

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1969 Five different 1969 Mets pennants

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There’s a cool pic in an old Legendary catalog, used to establish authenticity of one of their pennants ... I asked on another thread for help finding it.

That is super-cool!

It is neat to wonder about the “travels” of our old pennants. Were they waved at a WS game 100 years ago? How many people owned it? Was it bought and packed away in an attic for 100 years?

Your pic pretty well establishes the answer to that 1915 pennant, I doubt they were sold anywhere else or on any other date.

Additionally, these pics are great for establishing pennant styles/groups ... keep em coming!

1959 World Series celebration
 

Attachment 394089
Attachment 394091

Rick

Have never, ever seen that one!

perezfan probably has it. :cool:

I probably bought that photo 20 years ago, and it was stored in a binder that I hadn't looked through for quite a while. But I was chatting with Kyle about Dodger pennants, and remembered seeing one pictured somewhere in a photo. And there it was. I would gladly trade the photo for the pennant :).

Rick

Any good?
 

Haven’t seen these before. Common? Apologies for the terribly small pics.

Chris...

Those are both fairly prevalent. I believe there was a "find" of the 1966 pennant, that was likely unsold stock from that World Series. As a result, many of them are still found in NRMT-MINT condition. The 1965 Twins version is quite a bit rarer than the '66 Orioles.

Here it is... I've only seen this, and one other in the last 30+ years. To say it's rare is an understatement. It was obviously made after the Dodgers won the pennant, and sold during the 1959 World Series. Had to be a very limited production run for this one...

I haven't found the photo published anywhere, but I did find an article in the Sporting News describing a celebration party in Chicago at the Conrad Hilton on Oct 8, right after the Dodgers won the WS (remember, these were all day games back then). The article says "eight players wives, and the entire Dodger office staff, had been flown in the day before". I can't find any reference to a Dodger party in LA, only a reception at the airport when they flew back. So that Dodger pennant was probably a Chicago version, which may explain its scarcity.

Rick