What are the oldest pennants?

[scooter729]

I've been getting more and more intrigued by pennants of late. What are the earliest known pennants? I've seen a number from the 1910s - are there many known from much earlier than that?

And of course - would love some obligatory pictures to go along with the comments!

[perezfan]

Pennants truly are the "quintessential" Baseball Collectible. They can be traced all the way back to the Knickerbockers, and to Baseball's earliest origins. The term "Win the Pennant" showcases pennants as the ultimate prize for winning it all.

As far as collectible pennants that one can reasonably expect to own now... I would agree that the 1910s are about the earliest. I have seen a very few dating earlier, and very seldom do you see anything from the 1800s. Many of the pennants from the teens were "Oversized", and are among the most treasured variations today. The large sizes and stunning graphics make them desirable and very collectible display pieces.

Here are just a few examples, to wet your whistle...

Hope this helps,
Mark

[smotan_02]

Here is my 1910s oversized Army pennant courtesy of KJavic (fellow board member).

[scooter729]

Thanks Mark - most impressive!

I got started on this path a couple of years ago when I got the pictured pennant from the family of an 1894 Harvard grad. It doesn't have sports content specifically per se, but fits in well on my office wall (I work at Harvard) and gets comments from most visitors here.

I do need to get my pennant framed better (I know, it's bad now!), and like the way Mark has his. Are those standard or custom frame jobs?

Would love to see any others from the 1910s and earlier if possible!

[perezfan]

Scooter...

Post the size (L X H) of your Harvard Pennant in inches. I can then provide a very simple and inexpensive option for framing it. It's very easy to do yourself. You should not need to pay a professional, if you're concerned about the cost (or leaving the pennant with someone else).

Thanks

[scooter729]

Mark - the Harvard pennant is roughly 30" x 9.25". Any suggestions you have would be most appreciated!

Thanks,
Scott

[smotan_02]

Originally Posted by scooter729

Thanks Mark - most impressive!

I got started on this path a couple of years ago when I got the pictured pennant from the family of an 1894 Harvard grad. It doesn't have sports content specifically per se, but fits in well on my office wall (I work at Harvard) and gets comments from most visitors here.

I do need to get my pennant framed better (I know, it's bad now!), and like the way Mark has his. Are those standard or custom frame jobs?

Would love to see any others from the 1910s and earlier if possible!

Scott,
You shoulda visit antiquesportsshop.com run by fellow board member K Javic. He has some great early pennants and a beautiful 1913 Harvard pennant that would be a great companion price to your other pennant.

[scooter729]

Originally Posted by smotan_02

Scott,
You shoulda visit antiquesportsshop.com run by fellow board member K Javic. He has some great early pennants and a beautiful 1913 Harvard pennant that would be a great companion price to your other pennant.

Thanks - will do!

And Mark - thanks very much for the frame advice! I don't have Aaron Brothers in the Boston area, but there are similar stores which might have what I need, so I'll be checking it out tomorrow!

Regards,
Scott