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The Flag of the President
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
The Flag of the President
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

The Flag of the President

Artifact SeriesObama Administration Collection 2009-2017
Artifact ID2017.1.22.a-e
Object Type Flag
Medium textile, wood, metal, paint, adhesive, leather
DimensionsOverall - 2D (.a: Flag) L 55 1/4 in x W 66 in (167.6 cm x 140.3 cm )
 Overall - 3D (.b: Finial) H 7 1/4 in x W 6 1/4 in x D 2 1/2 in (18.4 cm x 15.9 cm x 6.4 cm )
 Overall - 3D (.c: Tassel) H 1 1/8 in x W 3 1/2 in x D 49 1/2 in (2.9 cm x 8.9 cm x 125.7 cm )
 Overall - 3D (.d: Pole Attached to Flag) Diam 1 3/4 in x L 61 3/4 in (4.4 cm x 156.8 cm )
 Overall - 3D (.e: Bottom of Pole) L 55 1/2 in x W 1 7/8 in x D 2 1/4 in (4.8 cm x 5.7 cm x 141 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionThe flag of the president of the United States (.a) with two piece pole (.d-e) and gold-colored eagle finial (.b) and tassel (.c). The flag pole is painted black with gold-colored metal screw joint on one end and ferrule on the other end. The pole also has a gold-colored metal flag spreader. There is gold colored finial that attaches to the top of the pole along with a red, white, and blue tassel. The flag is navy blue with gold and silver fringe along three sides. The fourth side has a wooden pole attached to it. There is a leather strap the holds the flag to the pole with screws. In the center of the flag is the Presidential Seal which depicts a bald eagle surrounded by a circle of white stars. Above the eagle is a banner that reads, "E Pluribus Unum." The eagle is holding arrows in one foot and an olive branch in the other foot.
Inscriptions and MarkingsOn flag pole: Gibson Good Tools Inc. Grottoes, VA
Historical NoteFlag was displayed behind President Barack Obama's desk along with U.S. Flag in the Oval Office of the White House.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThis item is material associated with various agencies and offices during the Obama administration and maintained as government property until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesObama Administration Collection 2009-2017 (National Archives Identifier 66540607)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Related Links
An image of this flag in the Oval Office can be seen in on the archived Obama White House Flickr account: "President Barack Obama calls a foreign leader from the Oval Office, June 10, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza.)"  
Additional information about the history of The Flag of the President was published by the White House Historical Association: "The Flag of the President, White House Collection"