Splitflag

The first regulation regarding the Splitflag dates from March 27, 1630, in which King Christian IV orders that Norwegian Defensionskibe (armed merchants ships) may only use the Splitflag if they are in Danish war service.

Any swallow-tail flag, no matter the color, is called a Splitflag provided it bears additional markings.

From about 1750 to early 19th century a number of ships and companies which the government has interests in, received approval to use the Splitflag.

In 1696 the Admiralty presented the King with a proposal for a standard regulating both size and shape of the Splitflag.

In 1741 it is confirmed that the regulation of 1690 is still very much in effect; that merchant ships may not use the Splitflag.

The Orlogsflag is an elongated Splitflag with a deeper red colour and is only used on sea.

These numbers are the basic for the Splitflag, or Orlogsflag, today, though the numbers have been slightly altered.