French antique Sacred Heart flag with WWI military medal ribbons and St Therese of Lisieux reliquary. A Sacred Heart badge was found with it so I left them together.
The French tricolor flag has a Sacred Heart embroidered in the centre. The text in French translates as 'Sacred Heart of Jesus - Hope and salvation of France'. This type of flags were given to soldiers from the First World War. In 1915, the convent in Paray-Le-Monial and the basilica of the Sacred Heart in Paris started sending flags to the soldiers that requested them. Some badges (like the one included here), small pennants or scapulars were also widely available. 12 millions badges and over 30 000 flags have been distibuted. The goverment decided to ban religious signs on uniforms in August 1917 as there was a massive opposition from a part of the politicians.
The flag I have for sale is completely discoloured and very stained. The colours have faded. There is a yellow or light brown discolouration all over the flag.
It must have been pinned on a wall for a long time as there are holes at each corner. One corner also has some rust marks left by a round thumbtack. There are small damages, pin holes, stitches undone or pulled threads on the flag as seen in the photographs. The embroidery is a bit worn but still in fairly good condition for its age. The red from the thread has stained the flag.
This flag is quite special as it tells a part of the story of the original owner. Five badges are attached to the flag. They are military medal ribbons. They all have different meanings: The red one at the top indicates the soldier fought in Verdun. The tricolor one at the bottom indicates the soldier was injured. One is for the commemoration of the war (red and white), one other was given to fighters (blue and red). The rainbow one at the top is for the Victory ('médaille interalliée').
The metal parts of the badges are completely rusty. Some ribbons are stained. One has holes and rust stains. They are all a bit worn.
At the bottom of the flag was attached a reliquary from Lisieux. On one side we can read in French 'Fabric that touched Saint Therese of The Infant Jesus'. On the other side there is the shield of the Carmelite Monastery in Lisieux. This type of relics were always produced and sold by the Carmel. A small piece of material can be felt inside. The fabric has discoloured and is stained. It was attached with a safety pin that has rusted in places.
A date is written in pencil near the Victory ribbon at the top. It seems to be 1918.
The badges are not always attached properly so the fabric has some creases. I have left everything as I found it.
The Sacred Heart badge has the words in French 'Hope and salvation of France' like the flag.
It has some signs of wear, small imperfections and stains.
It says at the back it was produced in Lyon by Augis who was the main producer of such badges.
This lot is a fantastic piece of history!
Size of flag: approx. 29 x 22 cm / 11.41 x 8.66 inches (the edges are irregular).
Diameter Sacred Heart badge: approx. 2 cm / 0.78 inches.
The pictures are part of the description.
Thanks for visiting Cabinet de Merveilles!
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