Hello Jeff,

It depends on the time period, leather tabs are a fairly modern item but can be historically accurate, in a since.
Sizes, shapes are all over the board, if used, the size and shape of the tabs was the up to the flag maker. Most flags with sleeves were attached with tacks or by running a rope through the sleeve and looping the rope around the staff depending on the time period.

If your going to use tabs, I’d suggest you use one on the bottom also, if not, you’ll know you should have on a winding day.

Happy Trails!

Tom Martin