CIRCA - 1876/ 1999 🇫🇰 - a Union Jack canton + the Falkland coat of arms centered in the fly on a dark blue background
HISTORY: The 1st distinct colonial FI flag (c. 19c) was nearly identical with todays 🔎Blue Ensign†, only it used a circular
pastoral scene of a bull 🐂 (for the feral cattle present on the islands,) instead of the 🐏 ram ⛉ Coat of Arms.
The flag evolved through several variations of seal vs. badge vs CofA over the 20c (with
various animals, like ox 𓄀 & ships, like the HMS Hebe,) including a version were the emblem
was on a white ⚪ disc, before arriving at the current design.
† The "Blue Ensign" - A 🇬🇧 Union Jack🔍 canton (rectangular emblem @ top left) on a field of DARK BLUE - is a
British Naval Flag used by certain British merchant ships & government vessels plus oversea possessions.
When the ensign features a badge or other symbol of the organization using it, it is called 'defaced'
VEXILLOLOGY:* Refuting Argentine territorial pretensions, and embracing Great Britain's rule;
The "BLUE Ensign" reflects the status as a British Overseas Territory. BLUE Field symbolizing naval prowess & the sea🔍)
The Falkland ⛉ COAT of ARMS (c. 1948) depicts the island's discovery & heritage with;
A White Ram 🐏 , (emblematic of Falklands' sheep-farming tradition) above...
A 16c ship, the HMS Desire (which 1st sighted the islands, 1592, underscoring claims of British discovery predating Argentine assertions)...
...sailing on wavy white lines (the surrounding 🌊 Atlantic🔍 )...
...all on a SKY BLUE Field with motto "Desire the Right" on a scroll 📜 beneath (from the Desire's historical log; articulating an ethos of lawful governance & self-determination; evidenced by rejection of Argentine sovereignty)