This is a beautifully sewn cotton Rebel 38×38 square battle flag. 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 were professionally made in large quantities and were most readily available. The Richmond Depot, also known as the Richmond Clothing Bureau 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 38″x38″ flag was intended for Artillery units. 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). 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. Cotton flags are also suitable for tea staining and/or framing and hanging indoors.
- Heavy, soft cotton fabric
- Sewn panels and appliqued stars
- Heavy canvas header with brass grommets
- Flag size 38″ x 38″.
*Flagpole not included.