Smithsonian Institution Pole Hem Flag
Smithsonian Institution Pole Hem Flag, view 2

Smithsonian Institution – Pole Hem Flag

SKU: Smithsonian Institution Flag - Sewn

Choose your options Call-in item. Review what you need, then call or request a quote.
Print method
Sides
Fringe or plain
Construction (sewn flags)
Size
Your selection: Review your options above
Call 703-751-2411 or use the Request a Quote button below. Your selection goes with it.

Smithsonian Institution - Pole Hem Flag

  • Official Smithsonian Institution design on nylon, made in the USA
  • Printed or sewn; single-sided, double-sided or mirror-sided
  • Pole hem, plain or with gold fringe
  • 3x5 FT, 4x6 FT, 5x8 FT or a custom size

Product Description

The Smithsonian Institution Pole Hem Flag is made for indoor and parade display: lobbies, hearing rooms, auditoriums and the ceremonies where the Smithsonian Institution is represented. It carries the Smithsonian Institution’s official design on nylon, it is made in the USA, and it is finished with a pole hem, the fabric sleeve that slides over an indoor or parade pole.

This is a call-in item, so you choose the details with us. Order the Smithsonian Institution pole hem flag printed or sewn, single-sided, double-sided or mirror-sided, plain or with gold fringe, in 3x5 FT, 4x6 FT, 5x8 FT or a custom size. Review your options above, then call 703-751-2411 or request a quote and we will confirm the details before production.

The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education and research complex. It operates museums and galleries on the National Mall and in New York, the National Zoo, and research centers from Maryland to Panama. It was founded by an act of Congress in 1846 as a trust instrumentality of the United States.

Choose Your Options

Every Smithsonian Institution Pole Hem Flag is made to order, so tell us how you want it built. These are the choices.

Pole hem illustration for the Smithsonian Institution Pole Hem Flag: a sewn sleeve along the hoist edge slides over the pole
Pole hem: a sewn sleeve along the hoist edge
Illustration of an indoor flag with gold fringe on three edges
Fringe: gold rayon trim on three edges
Single-sided flag illustration, front above back: the design is on the front only and the back is blank
Single-sided: design on the front, blank back
Double-sided flag illustration, front above back: two flags sewn back to back so the design reads correctly on both sides
Double-sided: reads correctly on both sides
Mirror-sided flag illustration, front above back: two layers sewn together, with the back a mirror image of the front
Mirror-sided: the back is a mirror image of the front
  • Printed or sewn: Printed flags are dye-printed on 200 denier nylon, so fine seal detail reproduces exactly. Sewn flags are appliquéd and embroidered by hand in our Alexandria, Virginia shop: each color is a separate piece of fabric stitched to the field, with lettering and fine detail embroidered.
  • Single-sided, double-sided or mirror-sided: A single-sided flag carries the design on the front only; the back is blank. A double-sided flag is two flags sewn back to back, so the design reads correctly on both sides. A mirror-sided flag is also two layers, but the back is a mirror image of the front.
  • Fringe or plain: Gold rayon fringe on three edges is the traditional ceremonial finish for an indoor flag. Plain leaves the edges hemmed. Either way the hoist edge gets the pole hem.
  • Regular or Premium construction (sewn flags): Regular sewn flags are chain stitched. Premium sewn flags are lock stitched, a stronger interlocking stitch, and they carry a separate part number. Printed flags do not need this choice.
  • Size: 3x5 FT, 4x6 FT, 5x8 FT are standard. For a custom size, give us the finished width and height you need.

Product Features

  • Official Smithsonian Institution design: the Smithsonian Institution Pole Hem Flag carries the Smithsonian Institution’s official emblem, reproduced to the agency’s design in the finish and size you order.
  • Nylon field: lightweight nylon that hangs well on an indoor pole and carries cleanly in a parade.
  • Pole hem finish: a sewn sleeve along the hoist edge that slides over an indoor or parade pole.
  • Built your way: printed or sewn, single-sided, double-sided or mirror-sided, plain or fringed, in standard or custom sizes.
  • Made in the USA: every Smithsonian Institution flag we sell is made in the USA.
  • Matched sets: order one flag or a set for every office, and the finish and size will be the same on each.

Historical Background

The Smithsonian Institution owes its existence to an Englishman who never visited the United States. James Smithson died in 1829 and left his estate to the nation to found, in his words, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge. Congress accepted the bequest on July 1, 1836, and President James K. Polk signed the act establishing the Institution on August 10, 1846.

The Smithsonian has carried three official seals. The first, authorized in 1847, showed a profile of Smithson himself. In 1893 the Regents adopted a seal designed by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, with a map of the world, two torches and the phrase For the Increase and Diffusion of Knowledge Among Men. The sunburst, approved on June 3, 1966 for the bicentennial of Smithson's birth, is the emblem seen on Smithsonian buildings and flags today.

Smithsonian Institution Flag: Symbolism at a Glance

  • Sun: Enlightenment to the whole world, and an element of the Smithson family arms.
  • Straight and wavy rays: Light and heat.
  • Torches (1893 seal): Classical emblems of truth and knowledge.

  • Product: Smithsonian Institution Pole Hem Flag
  • Material: Nylon
  • Print method: Printed (acid dye on 200 denier nylon) or sewn (appliqué and embroidery)
  • Sides: Single-sided, double-sided or mirror-sided
  • Finish: Pole hem along the hoist edge
  • Decoration: Gold rayon fringe or plain
  • Construction (sewn flags): Regular, chain stitch; or Premium, lock stitch
  • Sizes: 3x5 FT, 4x6 FT, 5x8 FT or custom
  • Display: Indoor and parade
  • Origin: Made in the USA
  • Ordering: Call 703-751-2411 or request a quote; this item is not sold online
  • Hardware: Indoor poles, floor stands and finials are in Hardware and Accessories

  • Smithsonian museums and galleries
  • Research centers and collections facilities
  • The National Zoo
  • Exhibit openings, donor events and staff ceremonies
  • Retirement, promotion and award presentations
  • Post it beside the American flag at a podium, or carry it on a parade pole

Which options can I choose on the Smithsonian Institution Pole Hem Flag?

Printed or sewn; single-sided, double-sided or mirror-sided; plain or with gold fringe; Regular or Premium construction on a sewn flag; and 3x5 FT, 4x6 FT, 5x8 FT or a custom size. Review them above, then call or request a quote.

What is the difference between single-sided, double-sided and mirror-sided?

A single-sided flag carries the design on the front only, and the back is blank. A double-sided flag is two flags sewn back to back, so the design reads correctly from either side. A mirror-sided flag is two layers with the back a mirror image of the front. Double-sided and mirror-sided flags weigh more and need more wind to fly.

Should I order the Smithsonian Institution flag printed or sewn?

Printed reproduces fine seal detail exactly. Sewn appliqué and embroidery gives the emblem relief and texture, and it is the traditional choice for a ceremonial flag. Both are made in the USA. If you are unsure, tell us where the flag will be displayed and we will recommend one.

What are Regular and Premium construction?

Both are sewn flags. Regular is chain stitched. Premium is lock stitched, a stronger interlocking stitch that holds up to more handling and wind, and it carries a separate part number. Printed flags do not use either grade.

Can the Smithsonian Institution pole hem flag be flown outdoors?

It is built for indoor and parade use. Fringe and a pole hem are ceremonial finishes that wear quickly in weather. For a flagpole, order the Smithsonian Institution grommets flag, which has a canvas header and brass grommets.

How is the Smithsonian Institution flag flown with the American flag?

The American flag takes the position of honor. On separate poles of the same height it flies on its own right, which is the viewer’s left. When two flags share one halyard, the American flag is at the peak and the Smithsonian Institution flag flies below it.

How do I order the Smithsonian Institution Pole Hem Flag?

It is a call-in item. Review your options above, then call 703-751-2411 or send them through our contact page with the quantity you need. We confirm the details before anything goes into production. Agencies that order the Smithsonian Institution flag for several locations can ask about a business account, and we keep the Smithsonian Institution flag design on file so reorders match the first set. Browse the full government agency flag collection for other departments, or read about our appliqué and embroidery work.

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