Blue Funnel House Line Shipping Flag 20th Century

A large and impressive original house flag of the renowned Blue Funnel Line, operated by Alfred Holt & Company of Liverpool. Navy blue field with a central white lozenge bearing the black “AH” monogram for Alfred Holt. Traditional maritime construction with sewn cotton panels and rope-reinforced hoist with toggle. A substantial shipboard example measuring approximately 177 x 121 cm, consistent with masthead or yardarm display aboard company vessels. Alfred Holt was the most famous member of the renowned Holt shipping dynasty of Liverpool. His father was cotton broker George Holt. George Holt was responsible for the construction of the first India Buildings in Water Street, where the Blue Funnel Line had its head office. Alfred's elder brother George (junior) was also a shipowner (Lamport & Holt Line). Alfred made his name as a marine engineer and shipowner, founding the Ocean Steam Ship Company in January 1865. His ships had a distinctive look with tall, almost vertical funnels and were widely considered as the aristocrats of the port of Liverpool and the British merchant marine.