| THE ROYAL FLAG OF SCOTLAND, a.k.a., “LION RAMPANT,” A GLAZED COTTON PARADE FLAG, LAST QUARTER 19th CENTURY |
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| Web ID: | ofj-889 |
| Available: | In Stock |
| Frame Size (H x L): | Approx. 36" x 49" |
| Flag Size (H x L): | 24" x 36.75 |
| Description: | |
| Parade flag in the form of the Royal Flag of Scotland, printed on coarse, glazed cotton. Made during the last quarter of the 19th century, this is an especially early example among flags in this style that one might encounter in private hands, likely produced for use at a World’s Fair event, the likes of which rose to great popularity in that era. Scotland has long had two flags, a royal standard, to represent the crown, and a national flag. The latter depicts a white saltire, a.k.a., the Cross of St. Andrew, on a blue field. Popularly depicted in modern times in what may be best described as a medium shade of sky or perhaps Prussian blue, there was, in fact, no specified shade until 2003. Said to have first appeared during the Dark Ages (5th – 10th centuries, 400 – 900 A.D.) some claim this to be the earliest of all European flags in present day use, though the earliest actual illustration survives in a circa 1542 Register of Scottish Arms by Sir David Lyndsay of the Mount, Lyon King of Arms. The Royal Standard of Scotland, a.k.a., the ‘Lion Rampant of Scotland’ or the ‘Banner of the King of Scots,’ has represented the Royal Kingdom of Scotland within the Scottish an then British monarchy (following the 1603 uniting of the crowns by James VI) since the same general period. The use of the Rampant Lion originated during the reign of Malcolm III (1058–1093), with its first recorded use as the national symbol in 1222, roughly two decades later, by Alexander II and with the double border appearing shortly thereafter, under Alexander III (1249–1286). Post 1603, the design was incorporated into the Royal Standard of the United Kingdom, where it remains today. Although the display of the Rampant Lion is theoretically limited to the crown and a key list of officials identified as “Great Officers of the State, in 1935 George V officially sanctioned its use by private citizens, in the form of hand-held parade flags, at celebrations held to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his monarchy (the Silver Jubilee of George V). Use at patriotic events thereafter became tradition. Today this is easily the most widely displayed flag of Scotland, where it appears in massive numbers at sporting events. The flag displays beautifully, retaining some of its original glazing, and is a wonderful example of the late 19th century. Mounting: For more than 25 years we have maintained a specialized department for this purpose. Our lead conservator holds a master's degree in textile conservation from one of the nation’s top university programs. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of flags and related textiles and have preserved thousands of examples. The background is 100% cotton twill, black in color, that has been washed and treated for colorfastness. The mount was placed in a deep, cove-shaped molding with a very dark brown surface, nearly black, with a rope-style inner lip, to which a light gold molding with a slightly beveled profile and a frosted surface was added as a liner. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic (Plexiglas). Feel free to contact us for more details. Condition: There is moderate fading of the saffron yellow ground, accompanied by some misprint and fading of the red pigment in limited areas. There is minor to modest soiling at both the hoist (right as displayed here) and fly (right) ends. There are instances of thin streaks of dark staining running diagonally along the fly, in addition to some black transfer or staining adjacent to the lower and hoist end borders, in the bottom, hoist end quadrant. There are pinprick-sized holes along the hoist, where the flag was once affixed to a wooden staff, and very minor losses and fraying along the top and bottom edges. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use. |
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| Video: | |
| Collector Level: | Intermediate-Level Collectors and Special Gifts |
| Flag Type: | Parade flag |
| Star Count: | |
| Earliest Date of Origin: | 1875 |
| Latest Date of Origin: | 1900 |
| State/Affiliation: | Other |
| War Association: | |
| Price: | Please call (717) 676-0545 or (717) 502-1281 |
| E-mail: | info@jeffbridgman.com |
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