Chapter I

The necessity of some special Sign to distinguish Individuals, Tribes, and Nations--the Standards of Antiquity--Egyptian, Assyrian, Persian, Greek, and Roman--the Vexillum--the Labarum of Constantine--Invocation of Religion--the Flags of the Enemy--Early Flags of Religious Character--Flags of Saints at Funeral Obsequies--Company and Guild Flags of the Mediæval Period--Political Colours--Various kinds of Flags--the Banner--Rolls of Arms--Roll of Karlaverok--The Flag called the Royal Standard is really the Royal Banner--Main-sail Banners--Trumpet Banners--Ladies embroidering Banners for the Cause--Knights' Banneret--Form of Investiture--the Standard--the Percy Badges and Motto--Arctic Sledge-flags--the Rank governing the size of the Standard--Standards at State Funerals--the Pennon--Knights' Pennonciers--the Pennoncelle--Mr. Rolt as Chief Mourner--Lord Mayor's Show--the Pennant--the Streamer--Tudor Badges--Livery Colours--the Guidon--Bunting--Flag Devising a Branch of Heraldry--Colours chiefly used in Flags--Flags bearing Inscriptions--Significance of the Red Flag--of the Yellow--of the White--of the Black--Dipping the Flag--the Sovereignty of the Sea--Right of Salute insisted on--Political changes rendering Flags obsolete 1