Frame Size (H x L): 22.5” x 43.5”
Pennant Size (H x L): 12” x 29.75” with 4” tassels.

Offered is a vintage University of Iowa felt pennant, dating to approximately 1950–1960. Rendered in Iowa’s familiar black and gold, the pennant features a large flying hawk beneath the phrase “The Hawk Eyes,” followed by an oversized “IOWA” extending nearly the full length of the field. Its animated imagery, bold typography, and elongated proportions make it a strong example of mid-20th-century collegiate souvenir design.

The pennant is constructed from black felt and finished along the hoist with a narrow yellow felt binding. Four yellow felt ties extend from the top and bottom, allowing the pennant to be secured to a wall, display rod, or other support. This tie-style construction was commonly used on collegiate and athletic pennants during the first half of the 20th century and remained popular into the postwar years. The long, sharply tapered body gives the piece a dramatic horizontal presence, while the yellow decoration stands out clearly against the black ground.

Near the hoist is a detailed illustration of a hawk in flight. The bird is shown with raised wings, spread tail feathers, extended talons, and an open beak. Fine black lines define the feathers, face, body, and claws within the yellow silhouette, giving the image more detail than is usually encountered on later collegiate pennants. A small varsity-style letter appears on the bird’s head, further linking the image to the University of Iowa and its athletic programs.

Above the bird appears the phrase “The Hawk Eyes,” divided into two lines and rendered in serif lettering. The two-word treatment is noteworthy. Although “Hawkeyes” had long been established as the nickname for Iowans and the university’s athletic teams, souvenir manufacturers sometimes altered familiar names for graphic effect. Here, the phrase may also have been intended as a playful reference to the watchful bird shown immediately below.

The remainder of the pennant is dominated by the word “IOWA.” The lettering decreases in scale as it follows the narrowing shape of the felt field toward the point. This arrangement allowed the manufacturer to make full use of the available space while preserving the pennant’s strongly tapered profile. The substantial serif lettering and slight irregularity of the composition are characteristic of collegiate graphics made before school logos and athletic identities became more rigidly standardized.

The University of Iowa’s association with the Hawkeye name dates well before the manufacture of this pennant. By the middle of the 20th century, hawk imagery had become an increasingly important part of the university’s visual identity. The cartoon mascot later known as Herky the Hawk originated in the late 1940s and helped transform the Hawkeye from a regional nickname into a recognizable athletic character.

The bird shown here appears to belong to that early period of mascot development. Rather than the upright, humanlike figure commonly associated with later versions of Herky, this pennant presents a largely naturalistic hawk with an exaggerated expression and collegiate insignia. This combination is consistent with the transitional mascot imagery of the postwar years, when manufacturers often created their own interpretations of school symbols.

The pennant’s construction and graphic treatment support a date of approximately 1950–1960. Its black felt body, separately applied yellow hoist and ties, detailed surface-printed illustration, traditional serif lettering, and early interpretation of the Iowa hawk all correspond with collegiate pennants made during the 1950s.

With its expressive flying hawk, unusual “The Hawk Eyes” wording, and especially bold presentation of the Iowa name, this pennant captures the spirited visual culture surrounding American college athletics during the postwar era.

Conservation Process: This pennant was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board. To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the pennant, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash.  The pennant is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: The pennant is presented in a substantial black frame with a classic reverse-scoop profile and satin finish. A narrow gilded inner edge adds definition and complements the pennant’s yellow graphics.

Condition Report: The pennant is in good overall condition for its age, with scattered cracking and minor loss to the yellow printed decoration, most noticeably within the final letters of “IOWA.” The pointed end shows fraying, thinning, and a small area of material loss, while the black felt field and yellow ties otherwise remain largely intact.

Collectability Level: The Extraordinary – Museum Quality Offerings   
Date of Origin: 1950-1960