This is somewhat interesting, a deference of textile definition of flannel, even with pictures.

Also interesting, in reviewing the known captured battle flags at Waynesboro, the godfather of Confederate Vexillology, identified those made by Staunton, had white flannel borders, easy enough. Howard’s survey of the 2nd Nationals also captured at Waynesboro and Winchester are identified as being made at Staunton, have white cotton flannel fields. Since white cotton flannel was the material of choice on the 2nd National by Staunton, could it be that it was also used as the borders on the battle flags? These flags can be viewed at the MoC, Howard’s essay on the Staunton Battle flags and 2nd National’s is on the web site www.Confederate-flags.org

On the auction web site, in the description, it states that there was “late 19th century restorations including replacement of the hoist-side border fabric and binding remaining edges with wool fabric”. Could it be, that the white cotton flannel was replaced with wool bunting? Is the material replaced in the restoration still with the flag?

Cotton flannel, with the yarn lighter then that of wool flannel, makes for a good substitute of bunting, however it is not as strong as bunting unless the yarn was subject to an acid wash process like the bunting yarn is. Wool flannel would have been an import item from the UK, while cotton flannel could easily be made with a local supply of cotton.

On what is known of this flag, defining evidence of it being a Staunton flag is inconclusive.

Happy Trails!
Tom Martin
www.Confederate-flags.org