Union Jack

[dobw]

Here is something that is probably very common in the UK, but not so much in Laramie, Wyoming! I'm hoping that someone can provide some information about this wonderful old flag. It appears to be made of pieces of coarse wool sewn together, and has numerous repairs and small holes. It measures approximately 53" x 24" without stretching. I'm wondering about how old it is and whether it is the type you would find flying in a schoolyard, or on a boat, or maybe in an Army camp...

[JerryBB]

generally, military issue flags have issue markings on them. multi-part construction is good as is the coarse fabric, it appears therefore to have some age, but they can be hard to narrow down to a tight time frame.

[JerryBB]

the union flag should not be flown on a boat except by specific allowed groups, it should only be flown on land and modern rules allow anyone to fly it at anytime.

[norfolk regt man]

Coffin

[Artynut]

Dobw , That’s a beautifully made flag but unless you know an expert in materials and style of production, it would be very difficult to pin an age on it. That design of the Union flag dates to January 1801 after the act of Union1800 when Ireland joined the union and therefore the addition of the cross (or Saltire) of Saint Patrick being added to the flag. Best regards, D.J.

[Mike_2817]

A purpose made coffin drape tends to be larger at 8'x5' [96" x 75"] (240cm x 150cm) with no rope & toggle.

What Artynut means is the design was adopted in January 1801 and is currant to present date.

Type of manufacture of your flag is called stitched Wool Bunting and was very common for almost all UK produced flags up to the early 70's when stitched Polyester tended to take over.

Top loop normally had a wooden dwell to fix to top loop on flag post rope to ensure flying the right way..

[Jim Maclean]

Originally Posted by JBBOND

the union flag should not be flown on a boat except by specific allowed groups, it should only be flown on land and modern rules allow anyone to fly it at anytime.

Often one of the ensigns is flown by visiting vessels as a courtesy flag, this is incorrect.

The correct courtesy flag for foreign vessels visiting the UK is the Union flag.