Sewing A Battle Flag

[hellbilly]

Howdy Pards, I'm about to start a new project and needs some pointers. Does anyone know where I can find some info on confederate battle flags. I realize that there was no cookie cutter patterns and being a hand made item all differed slightly. I'm not looking to make a particular units flag but a generic yet authentic facsimile. My questions so far ....
1.What material? Silk or cotton (or both).
2.Average dimensions? I've heard anything from 32x32 to 54x54.
3.Since there's no grommets do they use ties or aside sleeve for attaching it to a flag pole.
I had a whole list but now that I'm writing I can't remember the rest, I appreciate any help and if anyone can think of any useful information to add I'd be really grateful.
Thanks agin in advance.
Eric Armour
Shepherdsville, Kentucky

[Mississippian]

Re: Sewing A Battle Flag

Eric,

http://www.confederate-flags.org/confederate%20army%20index.html

That website has good starting info about the various patterns that saw usage in different theaters of the war. A regiment in the Army of Northern Virginia would be using a different flag than a regiment in the Army of Tennessee, which would be still different from a unit in the Vicksburg garrison. Read carefully and you will get some ideas as to trends and time frames.

Will MacDonald

[Yellowhammer Rebel]

Re: Sewing A Battle Flag

You could try one of these kits. That's the way I would go.

http://www.bnbtart.com/flag.html

[lukegilly13]

Re: Sewing A Battle Flag

Are you interested in trying to make a regimental battle flag or one of the confederate national flags?

Will gives some fantastic advice and a great reference. My advice is to be sure of what you want to make first. Then research research research so that when you are finished you will have something usable that you can document.

You might try contacting some of the vendors who produce correct flags. At one point I think Ben Tart was producing a flag kit and could definatly point you toward the correct materials and is probably a good source for them as well.
Good luck in your project!

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Sewing A Battle Flag

Hallo!

A quickie reference for the nine distinct ANV battle flags is Richard Rollins 1997 "The Damned Red Flags of the Rebellion: The Confederate Battle Flag at Gettysburg."

And then there are other battle flags.

Curt
Fond of the Second Bunting Issue Mess

[lukegilly13]

Re: Sewing A Battle Flag

I think Andrew and I must have been on the same page at the same time!

[Cumpston1862]

Re: Sewing A Battle Flag

Eric-

Having seen several of the Confederate flags in the Iowa Historical Society collection up close I would recommend cotton. At least if you are going for a western theatre flag. Interestingly enough the Confederate flags in the ISHS collection being that they were made of cotton are holding up far better than the silk flags the Iowa Regiments were issued.

I am also attaching the link to the Iowa Battle Flags Project page. It has a sampling of some of the Confederate flags in their collection. I believe they have around 30 Reb flags that were brought home/ donated by Iowa troops after the war.

http://www.iowahistory.org/museum/battleflags/gallery/confederate.htm

You may want to contact the person running the Iowa Battle Flags Project she is very knowledgable and helpful with questions. Her name is Sheila Hanke and her contact information is on the website I believe.

Good Luck

[hellbilly]

Re: Sewing A Battle Flag

Thanks All, I'm going to join the Breckinridge Greys so I think I'm gonna do some research on their flag. Anyone know where to start looking for info on their flag, books, websites etc?
YMH&OS,
Eric Armour
Shepherdsville, Ky.

[lukegilly13]

Re: Sewing A Battle Flag

Good to hear! You may want to contact chad or Brian. They can steer you in the right direction. We really do most of our events portraying the units appropriate for the event. Meaning, it could be a different flag for every event. But check with chad and he will know more about what's coming up. Hope to see you in the field soon!

[hellbilly]

Re: Sewing A Battle Flag

I've been in talking to Brian the last couple of months, he's been most helpful and welcoming. I look foreword to meeting with everyone and being a useful part of the unit. I'm a quick study and an avid student of history. I've been reenacting for about 18yrs but have been drawn to the ACW for the past several years, I like the level of authenticity, it's sometimes questionable in other eras. Thanks for the warm welcome and look foreword to meeting everyone. I'm hoping to take to the field by Perryville!
Eric Armour
Shepherdsville, Ky.

[jessejames70]

Re: Sewing A Battle Flag

contact the state archives, they can be very helpful in getting dimensions, type of material, lettering specs, etc.