Flag of the brazilian ships, 16th century (Portugal)

Bandeira das naus do Brasil

Last modified: 2009-06-13 by antónio martins
Keywords: merchant flag | armillary sphere |
Links: FOTW homepage | search | disclaimer and copyright | write us | mirrors

• Usage and description

• Portugal
• Historical flags of Portugal
• Sea merchant flags of Portugal

Usage and description

This flag was used during the 16th century in the ships that navigated the route between Portugal (manly Lisbon and Lagos) and the shores of Brazil. Its quarterly diagonal red over white charged with an armillary sphere gold. The portuguese name was "Bandeira das Naus do Brasil", being "nau" a kind of ship (larger than the well known "caravela") wich later evolved into what was called gallion in english.
António Martins, 26 May 1997

I have the following description, Brazil: Armillary sphere gold topped by a red cross on a blue globe with a gold horizon. In the middle of the armilla a sphere.
Mario Fabretto, 03 Aug 1998

Anything below this line was not added by the editor of this page.