Beschreibung:

Constructed of plain blue silk about 17 1/2 inches on the hoist and 22 1/2 on the fly, with the number 26 painted in gold 10 inches high and shadowed in red and black for another two inches falling to the left. A previous owner identified this as belonging to the 26th Connecticut in the Civil War and so identified in a type-written card placed in lower front of the frame. The flag roughly fits the size and pattern for some wartime infantry guide flags carried by the right and left general guides, sergeants posted on the flanks of the battle line to maintain alignment on parade and in battle. Since these were often private gifts or local presentations there is a great deal of variety and spotty documentation. This one resembles the guide flags of the 25th and 35th Massachusetts Regiments published by Madaus in the CMH Journal, though is slightly larger, those being about 16 by 18 inches. It is like 25th in having no fringe. In size it is close to a flag attributed to the 4th Mass, 17.5 by 20.5 inches, also discussed by Madaus, but which has a yellow fringe and is possibly a NY National Guard piece of the 1880s, which were specified as being 18 by 20 inches. This one also two small metal grommets, which would not be period, but could be applied later. CONDITION: Very good. Slight fading to blue silk, muted red and gold. Some narrow separation lines and what appear to be some tape repairs made from the reverse. Some paint loss to the gold numerals. Pressure mounted in a wood frame. Not examined out of the frame. A colorful flag in a very displayable size. Item Dimensions: 27" X 23" Name Value Paperwork