Between 1814 and 1905, Sweden and Norway were united kingdoms. The ensign was introduced on October 26, 1818, for use in "distant waters", i.e beyond Cape Finisterre in North-West Spain, as an alternative to the standard Swedish civil ensign which could also be used by Norwegian ships if the wished.
In "closer waters", the saltire flag could be used as an alternative to the Norwegian civil ensign of 1814 ("The lion flag").
By Royal resolution of July 17, 1821, the saltire flag was ordered as the only Norwegian and Swedish civil ensign in distant waters, that is south of beyond Cape Finisterre.
== Licensing == Between 1814 and 1905, Sweden and Norway were a united kingdom. The ensign was introduced on October 26, 1818, for use in "distant waters", ''i.e'' beyond Cape Finisterre in North-West Spain, as an alternative to the standard Swedish civi