Collectible Portuguese Flags

Collectible Portuguese Flags

A symbol of Portuguese history, its people's hope for the future, and the sacrifices of its founders and soldiers, the Portuguese flag is a collectible in its own class. Whether it's a part of your collection of the flags of the world, a reminder of your national pride, or a traveler's gift, the flag is a work of art worthy of collecting. Offered in a wide range of sizes and styles, there's sure to be something perfect for you.

The Portuguese flag is as old as the Republic itself. Its current design, green and red with a crest at the junction of the colors, was solidified with the birth of the free country in June 1911. Created by commissioned artists, it's a flag with a distinctive appearance.

The crest on the Portuguese flag is several symbols combined into one. Each part represents:

• Armillary sphere - This signifies the tool that Portuguese sailors used to reach Brazil and other territories across the world.
• Ring of castles - This symbolizes the Kingdom of Castille.
• Blue shields - This is the original crest commemorating Portuguese King Alfonso III's triumphant battle against five Moorish kings.

Offered in many different sizes and styles, the Portuguese flag can be made out whatever material best suits its purpose. Common materials include:

• Cotton - for lapel decals, patches, and formal flags.
• Plastic - for small, celebratory flags.
• Polyester - for uses that require durability.
• Paper - for pictures and artistic representations.

They are usually collectible because they hold either historic or sentimental value. A Portuguese flag may be collectible because of when, why, or how it was made. It may also be collectible because you received it from someone special or on a celebrated occasion. If you want to collect it, for any reason, it's a collectible.

Over the centuries, the Portuguese flag as changed along with the country. If a flag doesn't match the current design, it might be historic. Examples of historic Portuguese flags are:

• Blue and white stripes - if the background has blue and white stripes, it's likely from the monarchical era.
• Armillary sphere - a blue and white flag with the sphere represented Portugal from 1816 to 1820.