Joe,
The flag depicted is a well done reproduction of a 2nd bunting ANV type flag.
Unfortunately this was not the type of flag that would have been carried by
the 34th Va Cav Btn. The 2nd bunting ANV flags were issued in Spring of
1862. The 34th was not created until Dec 1862.
My guess as to just what they carried would be a first national. But, that's just a guess!
I do have two eyewitness accounts describing the flag of the 34th dated in
Oct. 1863. Both describe it as a "battle flag" and both state that it is in
poor condition. (See Mosgrove "Kentucky Cavaliers in Dixie", pg. 69 and
Edward Guerrant Diary, pg. 341)
It is known that the unit was presented with a "battleflag" by Gen. Stuart
in Dec. 1863 (See Richmond Inquirer, Feb. 5, 1864) If Stuart's flag was
a Depot-manufactured flag; then it is highlylikely that it would have had to
be a 3rd bunting flag. One like WD#171.
But none of this answers the question of just what unit lost WD#171.
We know that it cannot be the 32nd or 34th Va Cav Battalions.
Does it belong to the 36th Btn? If not, then who??

Ken