In its early years the Soviet Union (USSR) used variations of the Red Banner for most purposes. Later, to rally traditional Russian nationalism on behalf of the state, some imperial symbols were readopted in modified form. For example, the imperial navy's "[St.] Andrew's Flag," which had been in use for over 200 years, was revived. The white field of the new ensign bore Communist symbols instead of the former blue saltire (diagonal cross), but it also had a blue stripe at the bottom.
The red hammer and sickle represented the workers and peasants who supposedly were the basis for Soviet society and government. The red five-pointed star stood for the eventual victory for Communist revolution which was anticipated on all five continents. The bold colors and design made this ensign, adopted in 1935, highly visible at sea.
All USSR naval vessels flew this ensign, but in addition some were granted one or more special honors. Thus in 1942, in the middle of World War II, the "Guard" honor was introduced. The ensign of a ship so recognized (like the one to which this flag belonged) bore a long wavy ribbon, striped orange and black lengthwise.
Those colors were associated with the Guard honor, but they ultimately derived from the orange and black ribbon of the empire's Order of St. George the Martyr. From 1819 until 1918 distinguished units of the imperial armed forces had similarly been allowed to add the "George the Victorious" emblem to their flags.
The Russian inscription on the hoist of this Guard ensign includes the date of manufacture (1990) and the factory serial number. See also collection items ZFC1107 and ZFC1108.
Noteworthy Flag
