Original Item. Only One Available. This is a lovely early example of a Canadian Red Ensign flag, measuring 19" x 34” and in single-piece construction, also known as the “Vimy Ridge” flag. This exact style with the very specific shield design dates from 1868-1921, making this a confirmed WWI Era example.

The flag is in good overall condition with some stitching loss along the edges, and there is no header/halyard. A great example, ready for further research and display. A great frameable example!

The Canadian Red Ensign emerged as an informal flag to represent Canada as early as the 1870s and was used at sea and on land "on all public buildings throughout the provinces," prior to becoming the country's civil ensign in 1892. The flag was adorned with the arms of the Canadian provinces until 1921, when the arms of Canada replaced the amalgamation of provincial arms on the ensign. During the Second World War, the ensign saw use as a symbol that represented Canada's armed forces. In 1945, an order in council named the Canadian Red Ensign a "distinctive Canadian flag" to fly on government buildings. However, the ensign was never formally adopted as a national flag of Canada, with the Union Jack used in that role until the Maple Leaf flag was adopted in 1965. The Maple Leaf flag also replaced the Canadian Red Ensign as the civil ensign of the country after it was adopted.