Thanks for the details on these flags. A couple things:

>>>>A couple other flags at Williamsburg: 4th VA Cav seized by a member of Gibson's Horse artillery...who was then bayoneted by a member of the 1st US Cav is in the MOC.>>>>>

I would think you meant sabered or run through by a saber for cavalry did not carry bayonets. Would this be correct?

>>>>>The 5th NC flag picked up by a private of the 5th Wisc and then ordered handed over by Lt. Custer for his own glory was misidentified and returned to Ark. A couple years ago I helped get this fine silk (pink...as they ran out of red silk in Richmond making the flags) flag returned to NC - reside in the State Hist. Museum in Raleigh now. >>>>

None of the ANV silk flags issued in late November/early December, 1861 were red silk for the field. All were what was described on the QM invoices as "rich pink silk." Red was not a full dress color back then - it was a trim color for the most part. Thus, bolts were not wide enough (18 inches) to make flags especially after the making up of silk company flags earlier in 1861. Red was a trim color which used bolts of a much narrower width. The popular shades of red for ladies dresses at the time were pink or rose - thus these flags being either pink or rose when issued. Most of those that survive have faded to a cream color today.

Constanace Cary wrote vividly in her book about how much trouble she had securing red silk to make her flag which was one of the three pattern battle flags given to Gens. Van Dorn, Beauregard and Joe Johnston.

Greg Biggs