Colonial ensign of South Australia used from 1878 to 1904. It is made of wool bunting, machine stitched at the ends with the upper and lower sides selvedged. The whole design is printed. The linen hoist is marked 'M.P.' in ink and a cord is attached for hoisting. The flag is a blue ensign defaced with the circular badge of the colony in the fly. This depicts a standing Britannia holding a shield with the British Royal arms and extending a hand to a seated Australian Aboriginal with a spear. A kangaroo is carved on the rock behind. In 1904, Britannia was replaced by a badge showing a local bird - the piping shrike, in heraldic form.