There are plenty of flags at the Etihad on matchday, but how many of them will still be around in 113 years?
It’s a sobering thought that most flags probably last a few years before they either start to fall apart, or become somewhat dated.
So to discover a flag dating back to 1904 is pretty special and, as far as we know, the oldest in existence.
The 1904 banner was made by the Alexander family, who claim it went to The Crystal Palace with members of their family who attended the 1904 FA Cup final.
A Billy Meredith goal settled the game against Bolton Wanderers, played in front of more than 61,000 fans and was City’s first success in the competition.
It would have been quite prominent among the thousands who turned out to welcome home Tom Maley’s team back to Manchester as the team and officials travelled around the city with the trophy.
The flag itself is in remarkably good condition and features a newspaper image of Meredith along with the phrase ‘Buck Up City. The Pride of Lancashire’.
So, the oldest City flag in existence - unless, of course, you know better...?
Do you have any rare City treasures you’d like to share with the Club - we’d like to hear from anyone who has any items from yesteryear...
