Original Item: Only One Available. During World War II, the North African country of Libya was occupied by France and the United Kingdom. In 1949, the Cyrenaica Emirate was declared by Idris of Libya in British-occupied Cyrenaica with the support of British authorities. The flag of the emirate is a striking piece of textile art, made of open woven light wool with a black background. The flag features a white crescent and star, which are separate pieces that have been meticulously hand-sewn onto the fabric. Despite its age, the flag is in wonderful condition with only minor age toning on the white portions and no signs of extensive wear or damage. The flag was kept by Idris of Libya as his personal flag after he became king of Libya in 1951.

The Emirate of Cyrenaica came into existence when Sayyid Idris unilaterally proclaimed Cyrenaica an independent Senussi emirate on 1 March 1949, backed by the United Kingdom. Sayyid Idris proclaimed himself Emir of Cyrenaica at a 'national conference' in Benghazi. The recognition by the UK failed to influence the attitude of the United Nations, and Britain and France were directed to prepare Libya's independence in a resolution passed on 21 November 1949. The independence of the Kingdom of Libya was declared on 24 December 1951, and on 27 December, Emir Idris was enthroned as King Idris I.

The black flag with white star and crescent symbol was adopted by Idris as he was proclaimed Emir in 1947. The flag became the basis of the flag of Libya of 1951, with the addition of a red and a green stripe, representing Tripolitania and Fezzan, respectively. Idris as king of Libya kept the flag of the emirate as his personal Royal Standard, with the addition of a white crown in the upper hoist.

On 6 March 2012, mirroring the events 63 years earlier, a similar kind of meeting was held in Benghazi, calling for more autonomy and federalism for Cyrenaica. Ahmed al-Senussi, a relative of King Idris, was announced as the leader of the self-declared Cyrenaica Transitional Council.

A great example of an early Libyan flag ready for further research and display.