Linen Banner of the Knights Hospitaller

Triple-Tailed Linen Banner of the Knights Hospitaller

History and Symbolism of the Order of Saint John

The Hospitallers, or the Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, are among the absolute oldest chivalric orders in the Christian world. The red background bearing a white cross became their unmistakable military symbol as early as the 13th century. Originally, these warrior-monks wore black habits, but for combat purposes and better recognition on the chaotic battlefield, they switched to a bold blood-red. This specific pennon-shaped banner (featuring three elongated swallowtails) was frequently used suspended from the lances of heavy cavalry or served as a signal and identification flag on fortress battlements and within Crusader field camps.

Mounting and Installation

The banner is equipped with a practical, continuous sleeve (tunnel) along its top edge. As you can observe in the photograph, the flag is primarily designed to hang vertically from a horizontally positioned spar. To ensure that the installation on your pole is completely seamless and the banner neither slips nor stretches too tightly, the product is always custom-fitted to your specific equipment. Therefore, please do not forget to specify the exact diameter of the pole on which the banner will hang in your order notes. We highly recommend a smoothly sanded and stained wooden pole as the optimal accessory for suspending this banner.

Linen Care and Maintenance Instructions

Given the use of 100% natural linen, a gentle approach to maintenance is required. We recommend washing the banner carefully by hand at a water temperature of no more than 30 °C (86 °F). Strictly avoid using any bleach or harsh chemical detergents to prevent irreversible damage and fading of the deep red colour. Ideally, dry it laid flat on an even surface or hanging freely; completely avoid using a tumble dryer, which would unnecessarily crease and shrink the linen fabric. You can iron the banner at higher temperatures suitable for linen materials, but preferably from the reverse side or through a clean, damp cloth. With proper and regular care, you will ensure that the flag serves you reliably and looks magnificent for many years to come.

Technical Specifications of the Banner