This is a beautifully sewn cotton Rebel 32-inch square battle flag with a rich, gold fringe border and embroidered stars. The square battle flag was most commonly used by Confederate infantry, artillery, and cavalry units because it was one of the few flags of the Confederacy that was professionally made in large quantities and was most readily available. The Virginia Clothing Depot primarily made uniforms, socks, and drawers for the Confederate military, but also produced quite a number of flags, the square battle flag being one of them. Officially, the 32″x32″ flag was intended for cavalry units, 38″x38″ for artillery and 52″x52″ for infantry, although many cavalries and artillery units preferred the larger size. Typically, the unit would take the flag and add their name i.e. 10th Texas, 20th Alabama, etc., and then add the “honors” (major battles in which they fought). In some cases, a gold border was also added. Many other confederate military units were presented with flags “from home”. In other words, a local merchant or a group of women from the town or county the men in that unit were from, would design and make a flag for their men to carry into battle. Flag presentation ceremonies could be very elaborate social events. There were no two battle flags exactly alike, but this square configuration was definitely the most common and most recognizable.
Cotton flags feature a very heavy, luxurious look and feel. They are commonly used indoors because of their old-world, hand-crafted appearance but can also be flown outside, although they are not very durable or fade resistant with prolonged exposure to the outdoor elements and the gold fringe will not weather well at all.
- Heavy, soft cotton fabric
- Sewn panels and embroidered stars
- Heavy cotton sleeve with ties and leather tabs to attach the flag to the pole
- Bordered on 3 sides with beautiful, gold fringe
- Flag size 32″ x 32″.
*Flagpole not included.
