*French, Post-War c.1950s–1960s, SS Flandre Ocean Liner Cap Tally, Compagnie Générale Transatlantique (French Line), Embroidered Souvenir Ribbon*
A vintage embroidered sailor’s cap tally bearing the name “FLANDRE”, produced for the French ocean liner Flandre of the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique (CGT), internationally known as the French Line. The cream ribbon is embroidered in yellow with the ship’s name and flanked by two flags: the French tricolour at one end and the company house flag at the other.
The flag to the right represents the house flag of the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique. In miniature embroidered form such as this it commonly carries the abbreviation “CIE GLE TRANSATLANTIQUE”, meaning “Compagnie Générale Transatlantique.” The design features the distinctive red disc on a white field with accompanying lettering and stylised flagstaff motif.
Cap tallies such as this were traditionally worn on the ribbon band of a sailor’s cap, identifying the vessel or naval unit. During the post-war era they were also commonly sold on board liners as souvenirs to passengers, often kept as mementos of voyages across the Atlantic.
The embroidery passes fully through the ribbon so the lettering appears reversed on the reverse side, a typical feature of machine-embroidered souvenir tallies. The cream synthetic ribbon and style of embroidery are characteristic of maritime souvenirs produced in the 1950s–1960s.
Approx. Measurements – Length: 66.5 cm. Width: 3 cm.
History Note:
The SS Flandre was launched in 1951 and entered service in 1952 for the French Line, becoming the company’s first major new passenger liner built after the Second World War. She primarily operated on the Le Havre–New York transatlantic route, carrying passengers between France and the United States during the golden age of post-war ocean liner travel.
Her maiden voyage was famously troubled by mechanical failure, arriving in New York under tow, which led dockworkers to jokingly nickname her “the Flounder.” Despite this inauspicious start, the ship enjoyed a long and varied career. In 1967 she was sold to Costa Line and renamed Carla C, later serving under several further names before being destroyed by fire in Athens in 1994. Today memorabilia associated with the French Line and its vessels remains highly collectible among enthusiasts of ocean liner and maritime history.
*Condition*
Good vintage condition overall. The ribbon retains strong colour and clear embroidery to the lettering and flags. Minor handling wear and light age-related marks are present consistent with age and storage. The ends remain intact. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQ#3009CE_5253236604
