Flag size

[Puttzer04]

Can someone direct me? I understand the battle flag was square but today i see lots of rectangular flags. I saw a lecture that said the Confederate battle flag, so often waved today, did not exist till the early 1920's and then only because a rectangular flag was easier and cheaper to make. I have seen a few pictures in Harpers Weekly that show a rectangular flag. But never a historical "southern" source that describes or shows a rectangular flag. Might I assume the Harpers pictures are incorrect?

 

[Chattahooch33]

From what I understand the battle flag was square. The CSA Naval Jack was rectangle and some variations of the battleflags, mostly in the western armies, were rectangle.

It always bothers the hell out of me when I see someone displaying the rectangle flag. I tell my wife "wow, those people must really like the Confederate navy."

 

[Patrick H]

Welcome to the forums. This is a very pertinent question. I've wondered about this, too. We have lots of flag enthusiasts and experts here who will be along to help you.

 

[CMWinkler]

Welcome. The ANV Battle flag was square. It vaied in size based upon use. The Infantry version was the largest, I believe 52"x52", the artillery was smaller and the cavalry was the smallest.

The Army of Tennessee, largely, adopted the St. Andrews style battle flag but theirs was a rectangle and varied in size, as well.

It depends upon what Harper's was depicting as to whether it was accurate or not.

 

[AUG]

As CWWinkler said above, the Army of Northern Virginia's battle flag (Richmond Depot pattern) was square; however, in late 1863 and early 1864 Joe Johnston standardized the battle flag of the Department of Alabama, Mississippi & East Louisiana, and the Army of Tennessee as soon as he took command of it to the "St. Andrews Cross" pattern. Those were all rectagular, with one pattern being manufactured by contractors in Mobile and another in Augusta, Ga. by either the Augusta Clothing Depot or J.B. Platt & Co.

For example, here is a rectangular "Army of Tennessee pattern" battle flag manufactured in Augusta.

 

[AndyHall]

The original CBF was square, with an overall white border. As other point out, though, even during the war there was a lot of variation in proportions and even colors.

The rectangular CBF seen today is most like the officially-recognized Naval Jack of 1863-65. That would not have been used on shore in any official capacity, but (as above) there are other rectangular examples.

I have seen a few pictures in Harpers Weekly that show a rectangular flag. But never a historical "southern" source that describes or shows a rectangular flag. Might I assume the Harpers pictures are incorrect?

I would not take that as a good source. Flags are very hard to record accurately, even by eyewitnesses.