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  CANADIAN VERSION OF THE BRITISH RED ENSIGN, A PARADE FLAG ON ITS ORIGINAL STAFF, 1905-1921

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 11.25" x 8.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 2.25" x 4" x 7.75"
Description....:
CANADIAN VERSION OF THE BRITISH RED ENSIGN, A PARADE FLAG ON ITS ORIGINAL STAFF, 1905-1921:

Small Canadian version of the British Red Ensign; a parade flag on its original wooden staff, probably made sometime between 1905 and 1921. The design of the crest on the Canadian version of the British Red Ensign changed over time. As each respective province was added, the emblem of that province was theoretically added to the crest.

In 1905, following the addition of Saskatchewan and Alberta, as many as 9 provincial badges could be seen. Inclusion of the various badges was based more on the whims of the person ordering or making the flags, however, so flags bearing just 4 badges, for example, can be seen in use as late as the 1920's. It is also interesting to note that there was variation in the crest itself. This particular one shows 20 star-shaped leaves in a horseshoe-shaped wreath, which is open at the top. Moving in a counter-clockwise fashion, this includes 10 leaves coming down the left-hand side, followed by one at the bottom, underneath an image of a beaver, then 9 more continuing up the right-hand side. On another flag image that I located in my research there were 10 leaves on each side, staggered back-and-forth on two crossed branches, with a beaver above where they cross. In addition, the provincial badges appeared in a different order.

It is interesting to note that the current maple leaf flag didn't become the official flag of Canada until 1965.

This particular little flag was most likely used to display WWI patriotism (British Empire involvement 1914-1918), but it may also have been made for use at one of the World's Fairs.

Mounting: The solid walnut molding has a nicely shaped profile and dates to the period between 1860 and 1890. The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton rag mat. Spacers keep the textile away from the glass, which is U.V. protective.

Condition: There is minor foxing and staining, accompanied by very minor dye loss, but there are no serious condition issues.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count:
Earliest Date of Origin: 1905
Latest Date of Origin: 1921
State/Affiliation: Other
War Association: WW 1
Price: SOLD
 

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