Union Flag - British National flag
This wool-sewn "Union Flag" was made in the United Kingdom prior to WWII (1930's - 1940's). The physical characteristics of this flag reflect the stylistic tendencies of the time. Specifically, a 1:2 proportional ratio was used. The flag was also furnished with a loop and toggle (common of Union Jacks at the time).
The 1:2 proportions of this flag indicate that during production, this flag was intended to comply with the Royal Navy's traditional dimensions of Union Flags. The Royal Navy has used these physical proportions for over two centuries.
The term "Union Flag" signifies how the flag was used. Unlike "Union jacks" (which this flag is commonly mistaken for) this flag was not flown on the jack staff of a ship. This flag was the personal property of the sovereign, therefore allowing it to be used by the nation. This Union Flag may have been used as a 'Command Flag' for the grade of Fleet Admiral (ZFC3360 example) as was customary at the time.
This particular flag was unmarked, indicating that it is a "dead flag", meaning that the flag has become separated from its own history.
• J & S Military Surplus, Moss Landing, CA.
• Acquired by purchase by the Zaricor Flag Collection, 2000
Sources:
United Kingdom, Flags of the World, 22 June 2013, from: http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/gb.html
Union Jack, Wikipedia, 22 June 2013, from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Jack
Zaricor Flag Collection (ZFC) Archives, 2013.
Image Credits:
Zaricor Flag Collection
