Code: M27432
During WW2 when fabric was scarce and rationed, huge quantities of material were used producing feed and flour sacks in the USA. Such sacks were exempt from rationing in order to persuade people to move from the more robust sacking that was needed for the war effort, to lighter and cheaper cotton bags that, as an added benefit, could also be used for clothing and household items. One manufacturer even printed a pattern on the fabric to make its conversion to an apron or a dress easier after it had carried the flour to the home, and the use of these sacks was seen as being patriotic and thrifty. Many designs reflected American life and important world events. This piece of cloth was manufactured c. 1944 by Percy Kent Bag Company of Missouri, is approximately 100 x 93cm (39 x 36") and printed with the design 'Kent's Cloth Of The United Nations'. It features patriotic scenes, notable wartime figures and the names of all the allied countries, as well as images of various war campaigns including the British 8th Army in North Africa, Pearl Harbour (7th December 1942), The RAF and the Battle For Britain, 'The Russian Bear At Stalingrad', 'Malta - Most Bombed Spot In The World', 'Flying Tigers', 'Atlantic Convoy - Lend Lease', 'Atlantic Charter', 'General MacArthur', 'Bad Eggs - Keep 'Em Frying' (Hitler, Tojo, Mussolini) and so on. It is hemmed all round and 'Kent’s Cloth of the United Nations-233' is printed on the selvedge. Aside from some relatively light soiling (that might wash out) it is undamaged with good bright colour remaining. An example is held in the collection of the American Air Mobility Command Museum, Delaware. Good used. Stock code M27432.
