Calico Jack Rackham Flag, Skull and Crossed Cutlasses - c.1720 - Pirate Wax Seal Stamp

Calico Jack Rackham Flag, Skull and Crossed Cutlasses - c.1720 - Historical Wax Seal Stamp

Wax seal stamp featuring the skull and crossed-cutlasses emblem traditionally associated with John “Calico Jack” Rackham, one of the best-known figures from the Golden Age of Piracy.

John Rackham was an English pirate active in the Caribbean during the early 18th century. He initially appears in the traditional pirate histories as a member of Charles Vane’s crew before eventually becoming captain in his own right.

Rackham is particularly remembered for his association with Anne Bonny and Mary Read, both of whom sailed with his company during his final Caribbean voyages. Their story became widely known through their 1720 trials in Jamaica and through A General History of the Pyrates, first published only four years later.

The flag traditionally associated with Rackham features a white skull above two crossed cutlasses on a black field. Its distinctive design has since become one of the most recognisable versions of the Jolly Roger and is now closely linked with the name Calico Jack.

There is, however, an important historical qualification. No known contemporary account describes Rackham using this skull-and-crossed-cutlasses flag. Evidence from his 1720 trial refers instead to his vessel displaying a white pendant, while A General History of the Pyrates does not describe a personal flag for Rackham.

Research into the emblem suggests that the familiar design became specifically associated with Rackham much later, with the attribution traceable to 20th-century publications. It should therefore be regarded as the traditional Calico Jack emblem rather than an exact eyewitness reconstruction of his colours.

A General History of the Pyrates, published in 1724, remains one of the principal early sources for Rackham’s story. It describes his time with Charles Vane, his rise within the crew and his later activities around Jamaica, as well as the remarkable stories of Anne Bonny and Mary Read. The book played an important role in shaping how Rackham and many other Golden Age pirates have been remembered.

This stamp reproduces the traditional skull-and-crossed-cutlasses design that has become associated with Calico Jack in later maritime history and popular culture.

Design: Skull and crossed cutlasses
Person: John Rackham / Calico Jack
Date: c.1720
Period: Golden Age of Piracy
Association: Anne Bonny / Mary Read
Source Basis: Traditional later attribution
Stamp Size: 30 mm
Material: Solid brass
Type: Wax seal stamp / sealing stamp

Each stamp is made of solid brass, fitted with a wooden handle and presented in a velvet pouch.

Suitable for letters, envelopes, maritime collections, historical displays, nautical-themed stationery, pirate collections and decorative sealing.

“They might board her, and then the best boys would carry the day.” — John Rackham