Historical flags
Identify old and historical flags from an image
Historical flags are poorly served by modern country lists. FindMyFlag searches visual references that include digitised historical books alongside modern flag collections.
Identify a flagHistorical identification is a different problem
Older flags may represent former states, colonies, naval services, shipping companies, yacht clubs, military units or obsolete government offices. The same design can also change across editions, periods and official uses. A modern national-flag database is therefore often the wrong starting point.
Search digitised flag books visually
Historical reference books can be processed into individual searchable flag images with the available catalogue metadata preserved. FindMyFlag can then compare your photograph or scan against those visual references together with the rest of the search index.
Verify period and provenance after the match
A visual match is the beginning of historical identification, not the end. Use the source title, catalogue information and surrounding context to confirm whether the candidate fits the date, place and type of object you are researching.
See the reference library and the source and attribution notes.
Historical flag questions
Can a visual match date a historical flag?
Not by itself. Dating an actual flag also requires evidence such as construction, materials, maker marks, provenance and documented period of use.
Can FindMyFlag search old flag books?
Yes, where a historical book has been processed into searchable flag images and metadata and added to the reference index.
Are historical illustrations always exact?
No. Printed references can contain simplified artwork, period colour limitations, editorial conventions or errors, so the original source should still be checked.