"Flags of the Principle Nations of the World", 1837. Philadelphia, Published by S.A. Mitchell, 1837. This hand colored print is typical of charts used by sea captains, ship chandlers and others to identify the nationality of ships encountered at sea. Notable is the inclusion of the Republic of Texas as an independent nation.

This is a chart used by sea captains to identify the nationality of ships encountered at sea. Entitled, "The Flags of the Principal Nations of the World," it was made with printed copper engraving, hand colored, and was published in Philadelphia in 1837. Of special interest is its showing of Texas as a separate "nation," represented by its naval ensign of 13 alternating red and white stripes and a blue canton bearing a single star. The more familiar Lone Star Texas flag, now flown as the Texas state flag, was not adopted until 1839.

The principal use of flags during the 18th and the early 19th centuries was to identify the nationality of a ship at sea. To this end, hand-colored charts of the mercantile and naval flags of the world's nations were necessary for maritime commanders. Publishers utilizing this copper engraving process would hand-color their prints for customers willing to pay extra.

Publication History:
Madaus, Howard M., Dr, Whitney Smith, The American Flag: Two Centuries of Concord and Conflict. Santa Cruz: VZ Publications, 2006, p. 47.

Exhibition History:
First Presidio Exhibit
(ZFC0277)
"The Flags of the Principal Nations of the World" Flag Chart , 1837.

Second Presidio Exhibit, 2003 GALLERY III
(ZFC0277)
"The Flags of the Principal Nations of the World" Flag Chart , 1837.

Provenance: Acquired by the Zaricor Flag Collection (ZFC0277) in 1995 from a rare book dealer in San Francisco, CA.

ZFC Significant Flag
Item is Framed