Australian Federation Red Ensign Flag | Fully Sewn 1901-1903

Australian Federation Red Ensign 1901-1903 Flag

This flag is a high quality reproduction of the Australian Red Ensign as it first appeared after Federation in 1901. It features the original six-pointed Commonwealth Star together with the Southern Cross configuration of the period.

Each star and the Union Jack are fully sewn and appliqued onto a deep red field, not printed. This flag is a fitting choice for collectors, historians, and anyone with an interest in Australia's early flag history.

Our 1901 Federation Red Ensign Flag Features:

• Fully Sewn Construction – No printing here. Real fabric. Real stitching.
• Authentic 1901 design - Six-point Commonwealth Star and original Southern Cross design (stars with 9-8-7-6-5 points).
• Heavy-duty outdoor flag fabric – 160gsm polyester, ideal for outdoor use. Quick drying to prevent mould and mildew after rain. Light enough to fly in the wind and strong enough to resist tearing.
• Double-stitched hems with reinforced corners – Extra durability where it counts.
• Appliqued stars & Union Jack – Expertly sewn for a premium, traditional finish.
• Includes plastic flagpole clips – Won't rattle, easy to attach.
• Large Size: 1800mm x 900mm (6ft x 3ft) - Suitable for 6m flagpoles.

Perfect For

• Heritage and historical displays
• Collectors of early Australian flags
• Homes, properties, sheds and workshops
  
• History groups, museums, clubs and ceremonial displays
• A meaningful gift for anyone interested in Australia's early flag history

Important Historical Note: This is a modern reproduction of the original 1901 Australian Red Ensign design, produced solely for historical, commemorative and educational purposes.  It is not the current Australian Red Ensign used by the Australian Merchant Navy (which has a seven-pointed Commonwealth Star and the simplified Southern Cross).  This flag has no official status.

Evolution of the Australian Red Ensign

1st January 1901: Australia became a nation through Federation.

September 1901: The winning designs from the nationwide flag competition are first flown. Both the Blue Ensign and Red Ensign feature the Union Jack, a six-pointed Commonwealth Star (representing the six original states), and a Southern Cross whose five stars have 9, 8, 7, 6 and 5 points respectively.

February 1903: King Edward VII approves a simplified version. The Southern Cross is standardised to four seven-pointed stars and one five-pointed star. The Commonwealth Star remains six-pointed.

December 1908: A seventh point is added to the Commonwealth Star to represent Australia’s territories, creating the design still used today.

1901–1953: The Red Ensign serves as the official flag for Australian merchant ships and is also widely used (unofficially) on land by private citizens, local governments and organisations. The Blue Ensign is primarily reserved for Commonwealth Government use.

1953: The Flags Act 1953 formally establishes the Blue Ensign as the Australian National Flag. The Australian Red Ensign continues as the recognised flag for Australian-registered merchant ships — a role it retains to this day.

This reproduction faithfully recreates the flag as it was first raised in 1901, offering collectors and history enthusiasts an accurate representation of Australia’s earliest national ensign design.

* Returns & Exchanges

We accept returns within 30 days of purchase if:

• The item is unused and in its original condition
• It's returned in the original packaging
• You provide proof of purchase

View our Shipping & Returns Policy.