1868 Red Ensign flag to go under the hammer - 11/03/2010

A Red Ensign flag dating back to 1868 is to be put up for auction in Canada, it has been revealed.

The flag, which preceded the current maple leaf design as Canada's national banner, is expected to sell for between $40,000 and $60,000, according to the Toronto Sun.

The presale estimate reflects the mint condition the item remains in, with the red cloth having not faded at all.

While the Red Ensign was replaced by the new flag in 1965, David Silcox, president of Sotheby's Canada, said it remains popular among many Canadians.

He told the news provider: "We are absolutely thrilled to be offering this incredibly fine and rare historic object.

"The importance Canadians attach to it is evident - when our new flag was adopted 45 years ago, both Ontario and Manitoba applied for and adopted the Red Ensign as their provincial flags."

The flag, which measures four foot by seven foot, will go under the hammer on June 2nd during the sale of Important Canadian Art at the Royal Ontario Museum.