Rare surviving WW1 British Old Contemptibles Association Sta...

Estimate

£500 - £800

Rare surviving WW1 British Old Contemptibles Association Standard for the Blackburn and District Branch. Complete with it original two part construction pole, brass banner top and yellow tassels. Emblazened with "King, God, Country" along with the Assciation badge and "Blackburn & District Branch". The banner measures 107cm x 128cm to include the fringe. Overall height of the pole and banner top 247cm.
The Old Contemptibles’ Association was formed in 1925 by Captain John Patrick Danny and its members were survivors of the First Expeditionary Force which served in France and Flanders between 5th August and 22nd November 1914. Its commander was Field Marshal Sir John French. The term “The Old Contemptibles” is said to come from a dismissive reference by the Kaiser to “that Contemptible Little Army.” The Association was created to maintain the camaraderie of the “Contemptible Little Army” and to offer its members support for matters such as finance, health, and unemployment. The Association’s members were known as “Chums”. Nationaly, the Association began to disband in the 1970's with the last branch closing in London in 1994.

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Edge fringe is loose but intact in two places. Good condition given it is now 100 years old.