FAQ
Q: WHERE DO I GO TO PURCHASE FLAGS?
Hamilton & Adams 1776 proudly sells flags on our website and via Amazon.
Q: WHY ARE FLAGS MADE OUT OF DIFFERENT MATERIALS?
Many people use flags for a variety of different purposes. Some flags are used for outdoor display, others for memorial purposes, and still others for indoor display. Depending on its use a flag can be made out of nylon, cotton, polycotton, polyester, or two-ply spun polyester. Common uses for these flags might be:
Nylon – Perma-Nyl™ is the most durable and serviceable option. Nylon retains color well, flies nicely in a light breeze, dries well, and is easily cleaned.
Cotton – Best™ is a traditional, and to many the most beautiful, material. This fabric has a natural feel. However, like anything made of cotton, it is less durable and should be used for decorative or ceremonial purposes.
Polycotton blend or polyester – these materials are economical yet attractive. They are excellent for temporary use or where cost is an issue.
Two-ply spun polyester - Koralex II™ is a premium material that holds up well in windy or harsh conditions. Because it is spun, it has the feel of cotton, but its synthetic nature gives it the durability of nylon.
Remember to always treat a flag with common sense and respect. Never fold it when wet, regardless of material, and replace it whenever it reaches a condition not befitting the symbol of the country. A good rule is that if you wouldn’t wear it don’t fly it.
Q: I FOUND AN OLD FLAG IN MY ATTIC. WHEN WAS IT MADE AND HOW MUCH IS IT WORTH?
We believe that the value of a flag is a reflection of the emotions that are at the source of its ownership, and therefore, we can’t assign a specific numerical value to your flag. You can contact David Martucci for more information. This is not an endorsement of services.
Q: I PURCHASED A HAMILTON & ADAMS 1776 FLAG PRODUCT AND IT IS MISSING A PART/ THE PRODUCT IS DAMAGED. HOW DO I GET A REPLACEMENT?
Please contact us and we will get back to you immediately
Q: I NEED TO PURCHASE REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR MY FLAG KIT. WHERE CAN I OBTAIN THEM?
You can purchase all the parts you need for our products directly through our website. If there is something you can't find, please contact us and we will get back to you immediately.
Q: I HAVE A 48-STAR U.S. FLAG THAT MEASURES 5’X9 ½’. WHY IS THIS FLAG SO LONG?
Many 48-star flags were manufactured before, during and after World War II. These flags were usually made from either cotton or a cotton-wool blend. Some of the flags are casket flags, meaning that they measure 5’x9 ½’ instead of 5’x8’. These flags are made to be placed on a casket during a funeral. Since Hamilton & Adams 1776 does not add any date to a flag when manufactured; there is no way to determine just how old a flag is. It is perfectly acceptable to fly United States flags with fewer than 50 stars. 48-star United States flags rarely hold any monetary value, only sentimental value. Usually a flag only has monetary value if it can be directly linked to a major historical moment, such as the flag raised over Iwo Jima, or the flag used during John F. Kennedy’s funeral.
HOW DO I CLEAN MY FLAG?
Synthetic material flags such as nylon or polyester can be machine washed with cold water and a mild detergent. These flags should be placed flat to dry. Natural fiber flags such as cotton and wool should be handled with greater care. Hamilton & Adams 1776 suggests spot cleaning or dry-cleaning. Please contact your local dry cleaners for their recommendation. A majority of dry-cleaners will dry-clean a U.S. flag at no charge.
DOES HAMILTON & ADAMS 1776 GIVE TOURS OF ITS FACILITIES?
Due to insurance requirements, we do not give tours of our facilities.
WHAT IS THE PROPER WAY TO DISPLAY MY U.S. FLAG?
Please see the Etiquette section of our website for a detailed description based on varying circumstances.
WHAT IS THE PROPER WAY TO DISPOSE OF MY U.S. FLAG?
The U.S. Flag Code states that when a flag is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Many Veteran and Civic Organizations will properly dispose of a flag at no cost.
Q: WHAT SIZE FLAG CAN BE FLOWN FROM MY IN-GROUND POLE?
Flagpole Flag
20’ 3’x5’, 4’x6’
25’ 4’x6’, 5’x8’
30’ 5’x8’, 6’x10’
40’-45’ 6’x10’-8’x12’
50’ 8’x12’-10’x15’
60’-65’ 10’x15’-10’x19’
70’-80’ 10’x19’-12’x18’
90’-100’ 20’x30’-30’x60’
The flag should be at least ¼ the height of the pole.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME GENERAL FLAG CARE SUGGESTIONS?
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Fly Ends: Watch for the first signs of fraying. Flags can be trimmed and re-hemmed greatly prolonging the life of the flag.
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Windy Days: High winds are extremely rough on flags. If at all possible, take down the flag when winds exceed 30 mph.
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Rain or Snow: For best results, do not expose your flag to these elements. If exposed, after a heavy rain or snowstorm take down the flag and spread it out to dry. Do not fold or roll up a wet flag.
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Air Pollution: To minimize the effects of dirt, air, smoke, car emissions, etc. keep the flag clean. Having two flags and interchanging them is highly recommended to prolong the life of a flag.
Q: WHAT IS THE EXPECTED LIFE SPAN OF A FLAG?
Our U.S. Government customers have told us that they generally expect an outdoor flag to last approximately 90 days when flown from dawn until dusk in good weather. Sensible care may result in a flag that lasts longer and looks better over time.
Q: WHAT DO I DO WITH THE CLEAR PLASTIC RING(S) THAT CAME WITH MY RECENTLY PURCHASED SLEEVED FLAG KIT?
The clear plastic rings that may have come with your sleeved flag kit allow versatility which gives you the option to mount a flag with grommets too. When mounting a flag with grommets adhere to the following:
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Attach the upper left grommet of the flag to the metal hook at the top of the pole.
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Slide the clear plastic ring up the bottom of the flagpole so that it meets with the lower left grommet of the flag.
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Match the grommet with the hole in the ring.
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Twist the thumb screw on just enough so that the ring can still rotate around the pole.
Q: WHAT’S THE CORRECT PROCEDURE FOR FLYING A FLAG AT HALF-STAFF?
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Flag-raising at sunrise = hoist the Flags to full staff, then lower slowly, respectfully to half-staff
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Flag-lowering at sunset = hoist Flags up from half-staff back to full-staff, then lower slowly, respectfully all the way down for removal.