“These flags united, blending in the breeze, Afloat on all our towers and argosies,
Shall herald the world’s piece from sea to sea, And fill the earth with love and liberty.”
This pioneer patriotic postcard, from an unknown publisher, likely dates to about 1898, when there was a strong sentiment for strengthening the Anglo-Saxon ties between Britain and the USA. This sentiment is also expressed in the patriotic postcards of J.C. Wilson’s Anglo-Saxon and Anglo-Saxon League designs of that era. The card bears what appears to be a Red Ensign flag horizontally cut down to look like a Union Jack with a red border intertwined with the Old Glory flag of the USA. The Canadian Red Ensign was used as early as 1868 on an informal basis. Despite its lack of official status, the Red Ensign flew over the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa until 1904 when it was replaced by the Union Jack.
While not accurately depicted, the flag at the right of the card is likely the 45 star flag of the United States of America. This iteration of the flag became the official US flag on July 4th, 1896, lasting for 12 years.
The back of the card is blank.
