Impressively Splendid Original Canadian Red Ensign of 1868
Authenticated by the Canadian Heraldry Authority in 2010 as the earliest known Canadian Red Ensign, 1868. Private collection of David Clendenning, (photo 2008).
Rare 1868 “Red Ensign” Flag
This pristine Canadian “Red Ensign” flag has been in the private collection of David Hamlin Clendenning, Ottawa, for many years and remained in exceptional condition. Its vibrant red cloth is intact and unfaded. Recognized by experts as Canada’s earliest flag following Confederation.
The importance Canadians attach to it is evident, when you realize that when Canada’s new flag was adopted in 1965, both Ontario and Manitoba applied for and adopted the Red Ensign as their provincial flags. This flag has been part of Canada’s identity, one way or another, since the Hudson Bay Company flew it on their ships and at their trading posts beginning in 1670. It has flown over Canada’s early settlements, outposts, schools and post offices, government buildings, and war graves, for nearly three and a half centuries.
Although the Union Jack was in limited official use in Canada, the Red Ensign, primarily a flag for the British merchant marine, was a popular flag with Canadians. So much so that by 1891 the Governor General, Lord Stanley (he of the Stanley Cup in hockey), declared it is as “the recognized Flag of the Dominion both afloat and ashore.”
This immaculate and large (four feet by seven feet) flag incorporates the Four Province Badge, which is surmounted by the Queen’s Crown. The badge on the fly in composed of the quartering of the arms of the four original provinces.
With the encouragement of Sir John A. MacDonald and through its use on Canadian public buildings, this Red Ensign was widely recognized as Canada’s first “national” flag. When Manitoba joined Confederation in 1870 the five-province badge appeared, followed by a seven-province version to mark the entry of British Columbia and Prince Edward Island, and then a nine-province one in 1905, when Alberta and Saskatchewan joined.
This pristine Canadian “Red Ensign” flag has been in the private collection of David Hamlin Clendenning, Ottawa, for many years and remained in exceptional condition. Its vibrant red cloth is intact and unfaded. Recognized by experts as Canada’s earliest flag following Confederation.
The importance Canadians attach to it is evident, when you realize that when Canada’s new flag was adopted in 1965, both Ontario and Manitoba applied for and adopted the Red Ensign as their provincial flags. This flag has been part of Canada’s identity, one way or another, since the Hudson Bay Company flew it on their ships and at their trading posts beginning in 1670. It has flown over Canada’s early settlements, outposts, schools and post offices, government buildings, and war graves, for nearly three and a half centuries.
Although the Union Jack was in limited official use in Canada, the Red Ensign, primarily a flag for the British merchant marine, was a popular flag with Canadians. So much so that by 1891 the Governor General, Lord Stanley (he of the Stanley Cup in hockey), declared it is as “the recognized Flag of the Dominion both afloat and ashore.”
This immaculate and large (four feet by seven feet) flag incorporates the Four Province Badge, which is surmounted by the Queen’s Crown. The badge on the fly in composed of the quartering of the arms of the four original provinces.
With the encouragement of Sir John A. MacDonald and through its use on Canadian public buildings, this Red Ensign was widely recognized as Canada’s first “national” flag. When Manitoba joined Confederation in 1870 the five-province badge appeared, followed by a seven-province version to mark the entry of British Columbia and Prince Edward Island, and then a nine-province one in 1905, when Alberta and Saskatchewan joined.
Title: Intricate Wood Carving of Canada's earliest Coat-of-Arms of 1870.
Order No.: A1-8183.
Location: Library of Parliament, Ottawa.