A Scarce & Early Green Harp Flag / Naval Jack of Ireland c.1890

SOLD
Origin: Irish
Period: Late Victorian/Edwardian
Provenance: Unknown
Date: c.1890-1910
Height: 18.5 inches
Width: 26 inches

The linen green harp Irish flag, displaying a beautiful consistent gentle discolouration, having a green field with a golden harp survives from late nineteenth century Ireland.

In sound condition with a heavy seafaring fade across the fabric, the overall condition, considering the age is good. There is a small holed to each to corner.

The green harp flag of the 17th century Confederacy of Ireland and an unofficial naval jack of Ireland during the 18th and 19th century with the absence of the Union flag in the upper canton. Variants have been used as the basis for numerous flags of Ireland. A green flag featuring a harp was an older symbol of the nation of Ireland, dating back at least to Confederate Ireland and the pursuits of Owen Roe O'Neill from 1642.

The Irish Naval Jack, is worn whenever the Naval Ensign is worn except when a ship is underway. The Naval Jack consists of a green flag with a yellow harp and silver strings and it's also known as the Arms of Ireland. A gold harp on a blue field had been the arms of Ireland since the 16th century, but the United Irishmen changed the colour of the field from blue to green. It is flown in addition to the Naval Ensign, by Naval Ships at the Jack staff when at anchor, moored, alongside or when under way and dressed with Masthead Ensigns.

This is a rare textile and a very early example of its type in good original condition, its smell confirming it is of ripe old vintage.
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