Repo 1861 6th Wisconsin Vols Flag

[hhikker]

hello Fellas,

I thought I would ask what your thoughts are on a flag I was asked to make. I'm not looking to get slammed just wanted some friendly thoughts. I am in no way a flag maker nor do I really want to do it. This was made for a friend who had asked me if I could do it as a favor since he ordered a flag from someone and never received it. So I decided to give it a go. Its not perfect but I was lucky enough to get all the measurements from the museum archivist at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum she was a great help for this.


Thanks All.
Don B

[JesseJames70]

I like it. It looks like you used silk, I assume the original was the same? Handsewn or machine? Either way I appreciate your time that went in to it. I have done several repros for the guys in my unit with a few more to go, so I really can understand what you went through.

[hhikker]

It was made with acetate (synthetic silk type) he did not want to spring for the price of the silk or for me to hand sew it, so he got machined sewn. It was hard to get the stripes to set right with the canton. its not perfect but it was a fun project to see come together.

I like it. It looks like you used silk, I assume the original was the same? Handsewn or machine? Either way I appreciate your time that went in to it. I have done several repros for the guys in my unit with a few more to go, so I really can understand what you went through.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

It was made with acetate (synthetic silk type) he did not want to spring for the price of the silk or for me to hand sew it, so he got machined sewn. It was hard to get the stripes to set right with the canton. its not perfect but it was a fun project to see come together.

I do not know where the myth that a flag must be handsewn to be correct comes from. Of course, there were flags that were, particularly CS flags and many early Union volunteer regimental flags, however, the vast majority of Union flags that I've examined have been machine sewn. I think you did a pretty good job on your reproduction, even with the synthetic silk. Flags are pretty tough, and involve a whole lot of labor. I'm a purist when it comes to almost everything, particularly material culture items, but I can understand having to make some subsititutions when it comes to flag production. Many modern silks do not accurately replicate period silks, and with the cost and labor involved in making a repro these days, a synthetic holds up to the elements a bit better. Even the best wool buntings produced today have some synthetic fibers.

[hhikker]

Thanks Ross, if it were not for the lady @ the Wisconsin Veterans Museum this would have never came together.

I do not know where the myth that a flag must be handsewn to be correct comes from. Of course, there were flags that were, particularly CS flags and many early Union volunteer regimental flags, however, the vast majority of Union flags that I've examined have been machine sewn. I think you did a pretty good job on your reproduction, even with the synthetic silk. Flags are pretty tough, and involve a whole lot of labor. I'm a purist when it comes to almost everything, particularly material culture items, but I can understand having to make some subsititutions when it comes to flag production. Many modern silks do not accurately replicate period silks, and with the cost and labor involved in making a repro these days, a synthetic holds up to the elements a bit better. Even the best wool buntings produced today have some synthetic fibers.

[huntdaw]

It looks pretty darn good to me and would be quite striking on the field I would think.

[JesseJames70]

Ross,
I wasn't trying to imply that it should be hand-sewn, I was just curious. I haven't tried to tackle any Federal colors yet, so I appreciate your comment/info. It probably saved me a lot of time in a future project.

[Curt-Heinrich Schmidt]

Hallo!

Unless they were "privately made" donated, dedicated type flags.

Before the War, flags had been made at Schuylkill Arsenal.

Since the Government assumed the responsibility for state units raised for Union service, SA was quickly over-burdened so the Quartermaster Department established additional flag depots at New York and Cincinnati.

Trivia. NUG... NY Depot did square cantons with painted gold stars in five horizontal rows. Philadelphia Depot did the regulation long rectangle canton with gold stars in two concentric rings. Cincy did a rectangular canton but arranged the stars in rows.

Being the depot system, flags were arsenal made up as kits, and distribute dto sub-contractors for completion.

NUG, they were machine sewn as the "long seams" lent themselves well to quick production versus hand-sewing.

CHS

[springfield63]

I think you did great work! very well done sir...

[hhikker]

Thank you. I may try to make another but i'm not sure what one to make.

I think you did great work! very well done sir...