This is an exceptionally rare and historic piece, the original flag, banner, boarding flag or pennant from the USS Montana (ACR-13) a United States Navy armored cruiser which was launched in 1906. Provenance: From the estate collection of Kermit Croner with served in the United States Navy on the USS Enterprise during World War II (WWII). The piece was a bring home item from the war and stayed in Kermit Croner’s collection until his death in the early 1990’s, upon which the item was willed to his longtime friend Ore Smith of South Dakota. The piece was examined by and found to be correct by the USS Montana Committee Founding Members Committee, who were tasked with supporting commissioning of SSN 794 the creation of the USS Montana a United States Navy Submarine which was launched in 2014. It was offered for use on the USS Montana submarine but ultimately was decided to stay in the private collection. The USS Montana was an armored cruiser (ACR-13 or AC-13) commissioned into the U.S. Navy fleet in 1908. She served with distinction through and beyond the First World War and was decommissioned in 1921. This piece consists of period correct construction showing a dark blue background with white / cream banner across the middle having purple “MONTANA” lettering diagonally across, above is the correct USS in shield and below the correct USN anchor mark, lastly along the top is the red, white, and blue ribbon. The piece is thought to have been used either as a boarding flag or more likely at the ceremonial ship launch christening. The piece has two, what appear to be original, holes strategically placed at the top center and bottom center, possibly to secure to a boarding pole. This is an incredible piece which is likely the only other example in existence and holds both early United States Navy, USS Montana, WWI, and Montana historic importance. The only similar items in the collecting world would be presentation Battle Flags or Kill Flags from WWII which regularly sell for in excess of $4,000, with this piece holding a much more significant age and rarity. The piece is framed, under glass and sits on a blue denim for display. Condition: The item has fading to the colors on the front and bolder color on the back, but other than this is in well preserved condition for its age with no other major damages, no rips, no tears, etc. The piece measures 16.25” by 14 7/8” in a frame that is 24.25” by 20.25”.