Flags

A flag is a piece of material that is flown from a metal or wooden pole. The material usually has a design or a color that sends a signal or message. The first flags, called vexilloids by researchers, were poles made of wood or metal with carvings on top. These flags date to about 3000 B.C. Later, pieces of fabric were added to vexilloids for decoration, setting the precedent for modern-day flags.

Flags are used for many different purposes, but the two most well known are to symbolize a country, state, or organization, and to send a signal. Every country in the world has its own flag, and some states or provinces within countries also have flags. Good examples are the individual flags of the 50 states that make up the United States of America. Collectors search for historical examples of these flags as well as flags that have provenance, or stories, associated with them.

Signal flags include colors that have specific meanings. For example, the color red on a signal flag means danger, yellow means caution, green means safety, and white means surrender. Signal flags are often used by ships to signal safe travel through waterways or to indicate dangerous weather.

Quick Facts

• Flags from specific historical periods are very popular with collectors. These might include flags from specific wars or certain periods in a country's history. Flags from the American Revolution or from the Soviet Union are good examples
• Flags with provenance usually sell for the highest prices. A good example is the flag carried into battle during the American Civil War by Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart. This flag sold at auction for $956,000 in 2006
• The term "Jolly Roger" was used to refer to all pirate flags, not just the skull and crossbones design. Many pirate flags were plain black or red