Vexillology - Flags with different backsides

Last modified: 2004-09-18 by phil nelson
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• Categories of Different Backsides
• Flags with Different Backsides
• Flags with Similar (non-mirrored) Backsides

See also:

• FOTW Vexillological Reference
• FOTW Topical Index

Categories of Different Backsides

We need to distinguish between two distinct phenomena:

1. Flags that have writing or (certain types of) pictures that are oriented in one direction. Common sense suggests that the back of such a flag should not just be a mirror image of the front, but only to get the orientation of the writing (or picture) right. I would not say that such flags have truly DISTINCT obverses and reverses, but only that the obverse and reverse are not, as most flags are, mirror-images of each other. Indeed, the main reason this isn't done more often for flags with writing is probably cost.
   
   
2. Much more interesting and extremely rare are flags that have truly DIFFERENT images on their obverses and reverses, e.g., Oregon. Query: Is there a common historical pattern to such flags? Do they generally arise out of a compromise between two competing flag designs? Are there other explanations?

Flags with Different Backsides

Paraguay is the only country in the United Nations with a different backside.

The US State of Oregon has a Beaver on the reverse side.

Although none are official I think many historical US flags were different. I know of one in Kansas Archives that has 34 stars in the canton on the front and 13 on the back in X shape.

John Niggley, 30 August 1995

The US State of Massachusetts has a white field with a blue shield in the center. On the shield is a Indian in gold and a white five pointed star in the upper left corner. Above the shield is a gold arm and sword rising from a gold and blue cord. On the reverse is a blue shield with a green pine tree.

The former Ethiopian Imperial Standard had a representation of a lion on one side and St. George slaying the dragon on the other, both set on the Ethiopian tricolour of green-yellow-red.