Possible CS Navy signal flags.

[Vuhginyuh]

I had two (purportedly CS Navy) scarlet wool bunting signal flags dropped on my desk today. The flags are what I would call fifteen and nine foot interrogatory pennants. The construction and materials are right on the mark; matching what I have observed from Richmond and Charleston to a tee. I have no doubt about their age but have no way of confirming exactly what they are. The donor family has a remarkably solid CSN pedigree.

I could not get the online copy of the CSN Signal Manual to load. I have looked at all the popular websites and want some firsthand feedback. Do any of you have any knowledge of this type flag? If so, PM me a convenient time or two to discuss them with you on a private FlashChat.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Re: Possible CS Navy signal flags.

Looks like this one http://www.confederateflags.org/navy/FOTCcsnsignals.htm

[Vuhginyuh]

Re: Possible CS Navy signal flags.

The pennants are two panel bodies with a linen tube hoist. The outside body edges selvage.

I have not measured to see if they are in fact 15 and 9 feet long.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Re: Possible CS Navy signal flags.

Click on signal flags on the above link and it looks like the one listed as Interragatory, although it doesn't list the size on that link.

[Vuhginyuh]

Re: Possible CS Navy signal flags.

Thank you Ross. I have that site bookmarked.

[Vuhginyuh]

Re: Possible CS Navy signal flags.

Length. Not exact, didn't want to pull them tight.

The pennant marked 15 is 13.5 feet / 4.115 meter, the flag marked 9 is 8.4 feet / 2.560 meter.

[Vuhginyuh]

Re: Possible CS Navy signal flags.

They were donated by the Lt J. Pembroke Jones family, who commanded the Ironclad Steamer Raleigh. The pennants are reported to have been in use on the Raleigh, in contact with the support vessels Equator and Yadkin, before she engaged federal ships off New Inlet (Ft Fisher) the 5th and 6th of May, 1864. Jones recovered them and other artifacts when she wrecked sometime during the third week of June,'64.

Beery family decedents, builders of the Raleigh, support the claim that these are Raleigh artifacts, but there is no principal reference to date.

[Canebrake Rifle Guards]

Re: Possible CS Navy signal flags.

You might check with the MOC. They have several of the signal flags from the CSS Jackson, I forget how many, but seems like it was 9 or 10 of them.

Greg Starbuck