Opinion on Z Flag

[J7W22007]

Dear Members,

I would like to ask for opinion on this Z Flag. Any chance of being used by IJN ??

I don't have this flag yet, and these are the only photos the seller has. (Not from X-bay).

- Looks like a vintage piece

- The dimension of this flag is 90cm X 88cm

- INT (International ?), Z, 6 were stamped on the edge. (Old stampings)

I tried searching the net but, no other similar example was found.









Thank you in advance.

Regards,
Taka

[oldflagswanted]

IJN Z-Flag ???

...opinion on this Z Flag. Any chance of being used by IJN ??
...flag is 90cm X 88cm ...- INT ...Z, 6 ...stamped on the edge...
Thank you in advance.
Regards,
Taka

Hello Taka:
IMO not IJN based on size, and markings.
Noted a Z-Flag flying in WAF t=671408 on
the battleship Mikasa & in a museum print.
OFW
(below) Print of Admiral Heihachirō Tōgō of the Mikasa
preparing to engage the Russian Baltic Fleet in 1905.
(below-2) More Z-flag info found elsewhere online.
"Although not an official national flag, the Z signal flag
played a major role in Japanese naval history. On May
27, 1905, Admiral Heihachirō Tōgō of the Mikasa was
preparing to engage the Russian Baltic Fleet. Before
the Battle of Tsushima began, Togo raised the Z flag
on the Mikasa and engaged the Russian fleet, winning
the battle for Japan. The raising of the flag said to the
crew the following: "The fate of Imperial Japan hangs
on this one battle; all hands will exert themselves and
do their best." The Z flag was also raised on the aircraft
carrier Akagi on the eve of the Japan's attack on Pearl
Harbor, Hawaii, in December 1941"
Period use photo shows IJN Z-Flag was rectangular,
not square like Allied Navy color graphic shown.
......

[J7W22007]

Hi OFW-san,

Thank you for the response on the flag.

I know there are size difference.

However between Russo-Japanese War and Pacific War (40 years), would there be chance of the IJN using western produced signaling flags? This is just my thought. Because other ships from the IJN used this flag as well.

Regards,
Taka

[oldflagswanted]

more on IJN signal flags ???

...would there be chance of the IJN using western
produced signaling flags? This is just my thought.
Because other ships from the IJN used this flag as well.
Regards,
Taka

Taka:
Interesting question. Hard to say what merchant Maru
ships acquired signal flag wise while outside Japan.
But I would think that a confirmed IJN used Japan made
signal flag would have a thick woven rope, and as well
be of hand sewn construction, see WAF t=346243.
*OFW*

[J7W22007]

Taka:
Interesting question. Hard to say what merchant Maru
ships acquired signal flag wise while outside Japan.
But I would think that a confirmed IJN used Japan made
signal flag would have a thick woven rope, and as well
be of hand sewn construction, see WAF t=346243.
*OFW*

What really attracts me is the stampings, the age, and the thick layered looking texture. I've never seen a Z-Flag for sale before, but I decided to take a gamble and buy it. At least I have an example for reference.

Thanks OFW-san.

Cheers!
Taka

[Jareth]

I totally agree with OldFlags. Over the years I've seen quite a few Japanese navy signal flags all of which were stamped or marked with kanji.

[J7W22007]

Hi Jareth-san,

I definitely thought of Japanese made flags would have Kanji stamped on, but what if the flag was a foreign made and happened to be issued to Japan some time around 20's or 30's. I know it's very hard to proof where this flag was used. I'm just thinking the closest possibility. Something like this happens and it really tickling my nerves, lol

Cheers!
Taka

[Jareth]

Dear Taka-san, sure there's always the possibility but I prefer an absolute definate without any maybes

[oldflagswanted]

further comments ...

What really attracts me is the stampings, the age, and the thick
layered looking texture. I've never seen a Z-Flag for sale before,
but I decided to take a gamble and buy it. At least I have an example
for reference. Thanks OFW-san.
[and]
I definitely thought of Japanese made flags would have Kanji stamped on,
but what if the flag was a foreign made and happened to be issued to Japan
some time around 20's or 30's. I know it's very hard to proof where this flag
was used. I'm just thinking the closest possibility. Something like this happens
and it really tickling my nerves, lol
Cheers!
Taka

Taka:
I too like the vintage look of your Z-flag, and IMO
the double row machine stitching does make it a
factory made flag, but just where is the question.
Marking font/#6 appears maybe European in origin.
Over my 40+ years of collecting "real" flags, often
I've had to resist talking myself into such speculations,
that is unless the asking price was really very low.
OFW

[J7W22007]

Thank you for the help, OFW-san, Jareth-san !

Let see how the flag looks when it arrives.

I might have to return it after inspection.

Cheers!
Taka