A sledge flag used during Nares' Arctic expedition in 1875. It was embroidered by Lady McClintock for Albert Hastings Markham, and was flown by him on HM sledge 'Marco Polo' which achieved the record furthest north 83˚ 20´26˝ in May 1876. The sledge flag is in the form of a silk, hand-sewn union jack with roses, thistles and shamrocks representing Scotland, Ireland and England, embroidered in the centre. The word 'GOD' is embroidered above these symbols of the United Kingdom, with 'Queen' and 'COUNTRY' on either side —all in white gothic letters. The flag has a tasselled cord attached.

When the flag was removed from the board during conservation it was found to have a different embroidered design on the verso of the flag. There are two crossed spear with a ribbon around them and the embroidered inscription "Dum" (hoist side) "Spiro" (above) and "Spero" (fly side). The flag was pinned onto a wooden board which was covered with a burgundy red synthetic fabric. The pins were separated from the flag fabric by pieces of fine card. A tasselled cord is pinned on to the board through the flag. Manolia Gregoriou.