Hell sir. I to am a colorbearer/color maker and I think I have a photo that may help you in your search. In the Union army you had the regimental colors and the regimental national colors as well as two flank markers(so the person in command knew where his command stopped on either side) as these were mounted on sticks and placed in the barrels of the muskets. This was considered an honor to be a part of. Here is the link to the picture. When the command to file into line was given the colorgaurd would proceed too the rear of the line with the officer if I remember correctly. Let me check into it further for you. I hope the picture helps.

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii34/JadgTankker/colorgaurd.jpg