PENNANT FACTORY
Homemade pennants inspired by designs of the past
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Above: Former major leaguer Bobby Morgan poses with his '52 championship banner in 1978. Below: On some banners, but not all, a maker's mark from Carly Bros. was stamped on the reverse in red ink. | Unlike your typical novelty banner, these banners were not made of felt. They were made from woven canvas. Along the top ran a canvas header, punctured by two brass grommets so the item could be easily displayed. The graphics were screen printed on to the canvas, just as they would be on a novelty pennant or banner of the day. Some even featured a color gradient, transitioning from red to blue graphics that could only be replicated via the screen printing method. There were other nice touches worth mentioning. For at least the first four banners--1947, 1949, 1952, and 1953--each banner featured a golden fringe trim sewn on to the footer. This was a really unique characteristic that made them look a bit more regal. For years, the maker of these fine banners was unknown to me. Then, I came across a '55 banner that sold at auction not too long ago. The listing included a rare photo of the reverse; and, stamped along the back of the header appeared a maker's mark: "CARLY BROS. / FLAGS and DECORATIONS / 815 NASSAU AVENUE / BROOKLYN 22, N.Y." |
The Los Angeles River is crossed by no less than three historic, art deco concrete bridges built in the 1930s--all visible in this scene. Source: georgetownley.com. | Okay, so it's not London's Tower Bridge. It's no Golden Gate Bridge. It wasn't beautiful; nor was it an engineering marvel by any stretch. Nevertheless, for eight decades it was one of the most photographed bridges in the world; and because of its proximity to Hollywood, it probably deserves a spot on the Walk of Fame--because it appeared in so many films and commercials over the years. It was officially called the Sixth Street Viaduct; but most Angelenos referred to it as the Sixth Street Bridge. Built in 1932, the Sixth Street Viaduct connected downtown Los Angeles with east LA. Specifically, it connected E. 6th Street with Whittier Boulevard. To do this, the structure crossed the Los Angeles River, a railroad yard, and US Hwy. 101 before landing in the industrial neighborhood of Boyle Heights. It looked old. It looked gritty. Although no tourist would have dared hang out under it; it became the perfect location for filming. |
In 2018 I started a separate website called Pennant Fever dedicated to 20th century felt novelty manufacturers. It focuses on these companies' history, products, etc. Eventually, my interest in these businesses inspired me to start making my own pennants. THIS site you're currently viewing, Pennant Factory, is where I'll showcase some of the felt projects I've taken on. Most are reproductions of real pennants once for sale to the public. I've done my best to re-create the originals as authentically as possible based upon surviving photos, known dimensions, etc. Others are my original work, intended to look like the styles of yesteryear. Some turned out better than others. See for yourself. Enjoy! -KRB
All
1916 NL Champs Pennant
1952 + 1953 NL Champs Banners
1955/2020 WS Champs Banners
1955 WS Champs Pennant
1959 NL Champs Pennant
1963/2020 WS Champs Pennant
1965/2020 WS Champs Pennant
2020 WS Champs Burgee
"3-D Pennant" (ca. 1950s)
"B.B.C. Series" Pennant (ca. 1910)
Bklyn. Robins Pennant (ca. 1917)
"Burnt Leather Seal" (ca. 1940s) - Collegiate Mfg. Co.
"Caricature Pennant" - Clayton Kershaw
"Caricature Pennant" - GS Warriors
"Date Pennant" (ca. 1960s)
Dodger Stadium Scoreboard (1988)
Early 1910s Football Pennants - Reproduction Co.
"Grommet Pennant" - 1920 NL Champs Pennant
GW Forum Scoreboard (1998) - LA Kings
Jackie Robinson Pennant (1947)
Keezer "Emblem Pennant" (ca. 1950s)
"Kicked Football Series" Pennant (ca. 1940s) - Epstein Novelty Co.
LA Dodgers V. SF Giants "1st. GAME" Pennant (1958)
"Mascot Banner" - Chicago Pennant Co.
"Mascot Banner" - Collegiate Mfg. Co.
"Mascot Banner" (II) - Chicago Pennant Co.
"Monogram Pennant" (ca. 1910s)
ND "NO PARKING" Sign
ND Stadium Scoreboard (1988)
ND Stadium Signage
Notre Dame Banner (1931)
Notre Dame Pennant (1925)
Notre Dame Pennant (ca. 1965)
Oakland Raiders (AFL) Pennant (1960) - ADFLAG
Oakland Raiders (AFL) Pennant (ca. 1960) - Trench
Phila. Athletics Pennant (ca. 1910)
"Photo Pennant" (ca. 1960s)
Schaefer Promo Sign (1955)
Staples Ctr. Banners - Lakers
Staples Ctr. Banners - LA Kings
"Trophy Banner" (ca. 1920)
Vin Scully Tribute Banner (2022)
"WELCOME....' Banner" - Carly Bros.
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