Doe and Hope

Description

The quality printed white ensign flag in fine wool bunting cotton having the original long rope and central brass eyelet for pole attachment survives from the second quarter of the twentieth century.

In fair overall condition with a lovely seafaring fade across the fabric, there are some loss and moth holes to one lower corner but this aside it remains sound. There is also some old handwriting to one corner, which is now largely illegible, but we can make out ‘SSO’ which leads us to believe this flag belonged to the Ship Security Officer of a particular vessel.

Originating in the 16th century, the White Ensign or St George's Ensign is flown on British Royal Navy ships and shore establishments consisting of a red St George's Cross upon a white field with the Union Flag in the upper canton. The White Ensign is also flown by the Royal Yacht Squadron and ships escorting the Queen.

Highly desirable and neither too large nor too small, this antique textile is a desirable sliver of maritime history.