Vintage Nautical Answering Penant Code Maritime Flag - good condition! ***Please visit our store for more vintage newer nautical Maritime flags*** Approximate Measurements: 114 1/2?L x 32? W Please see all pics! No holes or tears. There is writing in black marker as seen in pics, as well as some ?staining? present that could be cleaned with appropriate cleaners if desired. We have not attempted to clean this flag. Shadows glares are seen in pics from lighting. The answering pennant, also known as the code/answer pennant, has multiple meanings in nautical signaling. It signifies that a message has been received and understood when hoisted close up. When lowered to the dip (half-masted), it indicates that the receiving vessel acknowledges each part of a multi-part message as it's being transmitted. Additionally, when used with numerical flags, it acts as a decimal point. Here's a more detailed breakdown: Message Received and Understood: When a ship hoists the answering pennant close up after receiving a signal, it means they have received and understood the message. Decimal Point: When used with numerical flags, the answering pennant indicates the decimal point in a number. For example, if a ship wants to signal "12.5", they would hoist the "1" pennant, then the answering pennant, and then the "2" and "5" pennants. International Code of Signals: The answering pennant can also indicate that the following flag or flags in the signal are from the International Code of Signals. Thanks for looking and have a great day!