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KPM (The Netherlands)

Koninklijke Paketvaart Maatschappij, Amsterdam

[Koninklijke Paketvaart Maatschappij new flag]

by Jarig Bakker, 13 Oct 2003

Koninklijke Paketvaart Maatschappij new flag
Koninklijke Paketvaart Maatschappij

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Koninklijke Paketvaart Maatschappij new flag

Houseflag: bright red with a white lozenge, over the total length and hight of the flag, charged with the yellow royal crown.
Symbolism: the lozenge reaches all borders of the flag, which signifies the immense territory of the East Indian Archipelago (nearly the size of Europe) - later on the KPM was trading on S and E Asia, Australia, New Zealand, E and S Africa, America and even in Europe (Oranje-Lijn).
The KPM did not have the monopoly on shipping in Dutch East India, but came very close, because of the privileges granted by the Dutch government. This lasted from Jan 1891 till Dec 1957.
Source: A.J.J. Mulder "Koninkijke Paketvaart-Maatschappij; Wel en wee van een Indische Reederij". 1991, De Alk, Alkmaar.
Jarig Bakker, 13 Oct 2003

Koninklijke Paketvaart Maatschappij N.V. I think you will find that there is only one actual version, being that with the diamond throughout the field, as detailed by Mulder. Practically every source from Lloyds 1904 on shows it as such and there is a photo in Talbot-Booth's 1942 Merchant Ships which clearly shows the flag as such. Of 4 variances found two have it nearly throughout. There is more variance on the crown's colours with most showing it in yellow and red but some being plain yellow (or gold).
Neale Rosanoski, 9 Nov 2003

Koninklijke Paketvaart Maatschappij

by Jarig Bakker, 11 Oct 2003

N.V. Koninklijke Paketvaart Maatschappij, Amsterdam (Royal Mail Line) - Red with a white diamond in the center, charged with a yellow crown.
Other sources have a white diamond over all.
Source: houseflagchart of the Magazine "De Blauwe Wimpel", April 1956
All about Ships and Shipping, E.P. Harnack (ed), 1938, 1959
Jarig Bakker, 11 Oct 2003