Thomas Tew Jolly Roger Pirate Flags Symbols Charm

Thomas Tew, popularly known as the Rhode Island Pirate, was an English privateer-turned-pirate in the 17th century. Tew's flag was devoid of skulls and bones, instead depicting a powerful arm brandishing a sword. A raised fist or hand gripping a dagger or cutlass was supposed to signify a broad determination to murder. Tew selected this photograph. He seemed to think it was more polite to show combat rather than death in his flag and chose the image of a sword rather than a skull or bones.