USSR Merchant ensign (1955-1990). The ensign is made of synthetic fibre bunting, machine sewn with a cotton hoist. A rope with a loop at each end runs through the hoist. The ensign is stencilled with yellow paint with a hammer and sickle emblem with a yellow star above. The design was used as a state flag and ensign and merchant ensign. The design apart from minor variations is the same as that introduced in 1923. It was acquired by the donor in about 1974 from a friend in the Russian merchant navy.