Flags & Banners | Collectibles & Collectors Items

Flags can play an integral part in any gathering of a large number of people. Can you imagine a political gathering without any flags or banners, or, for that matter, any political or civic protest without them? Flags identify us as a group and banners can unite us in a cause.

In most countries the national flag commands tremendous respect. Any errors in its presentation, be they intentional or otherwise, can be considered as a insult to the nation concerned and can spark huge debate.

The regiments in the armed forces are fiercely protective of their flags and have been prepared to lay down their lives to protect it.

Flags And Banners As Collectables

Anything can become collectable if there is a demand. What fuels this demand can vary--anything that is rare, has a connection with something or someone famous, or infamous for that matter, can become sought after. Many are bought by those with a personal connection to, or interest in, the event that the flags or banners have come to represent.

Some flags and banners which have become associated with memorable events or celebrity groups have become collectors' items and a large number of them are found on internet auction websites. Although it can be very difficult to judge whether some are original, authentic copies also serve the purpose with equal elan.

Some flags like the Olympic flags will be in demand regularely every four years. When the Olympics are in progress many rooftops of the hosting nation will carry an Olympic flag. Wherever you cast your eyes you'll see either a flag or a banner proudly displaying the five circles.

The same can be applied to FIFA flags. As the FIFA World Cup draws near, the skyline of soccer- mad countries of the world prepare with FIFA flags, banners and floaters hailing their favourite teams. In England the St. George flag could be seen everywhere for the duration of the World Cup.

Even if you haven't been inside a football or an Olympic stadium, most of us will have seen them on the television. They become a colourful sea of flags and banners being waved wildly by spectators to show their support.

Some banners which are associated with memorable sporting victories have become very sought after by fans and have acquired the status of collectables.

Other than the Olympic and FIFA flags already mentioned, another popular flag is the Jolly Roger or Pirate Flag with skull and crossbones. This is so familiar to us, there can be very few people who do not instantly recognise it!.

Commonwealth countries also have another sporting extravaganza known as Commonwealth Games. Special Commonwealth Games flags can be very popular with collectors.

Flags For Sale

There is a huge range of flags and banners available through online stores. They are usually made of woven polyester which is robust while remaining lightweight allowing the flags to flutter high in all weather conditions.

The manufacturers of flags also supply flagpoles and windsocks. One online flag store proudly proclaims that it has been awarded the contract to replace all the flagpoles down The Mall in London.

How To Take Care Of A Flag

Flags will spend most of their time in the elements and as such will eventually wear out, not only because of high winds but also because of the dirt and pollution in the air. However the life of a flag can be extended by anti-fray netting that can be sewn in on the fly side. These nettings are inexpensive and can prolong the life of a flag considerably.

Flag Fixtures

Flags are generally attached to the halyard line of the flagpole by means of a rope and pulley, although some people prefer to use an Inglefield flag clip. Both these fixing methods are easily available and are a matter of personal choice.

Layout Of Flags

Flags can be made to be displayed in either portrait or in landscape format. This is not true, of course, for national flags which have been shown in the correct way.

Generally flags have single thickness and the images printed on them can be seen properly from one side only. If viewed from the other side the image is reversed.

On certain occasions, however, the image may need to be seen correctly from both sides. In such cases it is usual to stitch two flags back to back. This obviously makes the flag heavier and it will not flutter as a single flag but this may be exactly what is required at certain, more solemn, events.

Conclusion

Flags and banners play an important role in defining our identity. In their earliest days they acted as a simple means of easy identification. Now we associate them with many other qualities; pride, valour and a sense of belonging. Many lives have been lost in battle in protecting these symbols because of the qualities that we feel they represent. Collecting them perhaps lets us capture a small part of their history to be enjoyed again whenever we wish.