Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is a rare, vibrant orange and blue felt novelty pennant featuring the name of John Lennon alongside his iconic peace anthem 'Give Peace a Chance'. Produced during the height of the Vietnam War protest movement, it represents a fascinating crossover between traditional sports memorabilia formats and political counterculture activism.
Story
Recorded in a Montreal hotel room in June 1969, 'Give Peace a Chance' became the definitive anthem of the anti-war movement. Street vendors quickly seized on the song's massive popularity, printing these pennants to sell at rallies and concerts.
Maker / Origin
While the specific manufacturer is unmarked, this piece belongs to the rich tradition of mid-century American novelty printers. These independent screen-printers operated rapidly, churning out topical felt pennants for sports teams, tourist destinations, and political movements to be sold by street hawkers.
Condition & Value
The pennant appears to be in remarkably good vintage condition with vibrant, unfaded orange felt and crisp screen printing. There is a slight horizontal crease near the center from storage, but the tip is intact and there are no obvious moth holes or tack pinholes.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.