Large Historic Ceremonial Flag – Royal Brotherhood Of The Saint Sebastian Crossbow – Tongeren

Large ceremonial banner – Royal Archery Guild of Saint Sebastian – Tongeren (Belgium)
Dimensions: 170 cm wide x 190 cm high
Estimated date: circa 1881 (with founding year 1726 mentioned)
Origin: from the historical archery guild of Tongeren, Belgium’s oldest city.

This striking embroidered banner is a remarkable relic of 19th-century Belgian civic and folkloric heritage. It features:

• The official coat of arms of Tongeren, crowned by a black swan.

• Embroidered floral garlands, original gold fringe and decorative trim.

• The inscription “Koninklyke Handboogmaatschappij Sint Sebastiaan – Tongeren” in Dutch.

• A classical composition of five bound arrows at the bottom — the symbol of unity among archers’ guilds.

The front is richly decorated, while the reverse is plain crimson red.

Condition: good for its age, with moderate wear on edges and trimming. Perfect for collectors, museums, or historical displays.

Provenance: purchased legally at a flea market in Flanders several years ago. Written provenance statement included.