"Johnson's New Chart of National Emblems" Hand Colored Engraving by A. J. Johnson, 1870

Presented is a hand-colored engraving of “Johnson's New Chart of National Emblems.” This print was created for “Johnson's New Illustrated Family Atlas of the World,” published by A.J. Johnson, in New York in 1870. The chart features 118 flags, standards, and signals associated with countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and the United States, as well as the ensigns of prominent merchant companies. The engraving is hand colored in red, white, black, blue, yellow, and green. Flag sheets and charts like this one were made primarily for the use of sea captains and ship chandlers to identify the nationality of ships in open waters. 

The flags on this chart offer an interesting snapshot of the powerful nations of the mid-19th century, just after the American Civil War. Many countries have multiple flags depicted, including national and nautical flags. At top left is the American flag, represented with 37-stars, reflective of the admission of Nebraska to the Union in 1867. At top right is the "Royal Standard of the United Kingdom, Great Britain & Ireland," with the "Russian Standard" and "French Standard" at the bottom. There are 12 "Signals for Pilots," 6 on each side, in an inset chart in the middle. A “Portuguese Pennant” and a “Spanish Pennant” are featured at the bottom of the engraving.  

CONDITION: 

Very good condition. Engraving, with original hand-coloring. Paper has fold lines, from inclusion in atlas. Page 3 and Page 4 of atlas. Mild to moderate dampstaining and toning, but paper is stable. Bright colors, with little fading. 

Artfully framed with acid-free mats and UV conservation clear glass in a custom-built frame.

Framed Dimensions: 24 3/4" H x 30 7/8" W x 1" D.