Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Flag |
Catalog Number |
1941.17a |
Maker |
Hugh Wilkins |
Date |
ca. 1861 |
Material(s) |
Silk; |
Dimensions |
H-72 W-66 inches |
Description |
This is the Regimental Color for the 18th Kentucky Infantry. The field is blue with painted a emblem in center that was probably a Kentucky seal. There is gold fringe on 3 sides, and a red painted on banner below the seal. |
Notes |
Some of our Civil War era flags are in terrible shape. A big reason for this is how they were originally made. Harsh dyes used to color fabrics (especially silk) resulted in the material breaking apart and shattering. Painted areas typically remain more intact but paint does not allow free movement of the fabric and thus contributes to the fracturing of adjacent areas. Ironically wool and cotton flags, which were less expensive to produce, are far more stable than silk flags. These flags in our collection remain largely intact and in far better condition than their silk counterparts. Many of the Civil War era flags in our collection cannot be physically displayed without causing further damage. KHS stores flags flat in a stable environment. Our goal is to slow the deterioration as much as possible. |
Collection |
Henry Kavanaugh Milward Collection |
Event |
American Civil War |
People |
Wilkins, Hugh |
Subjects |
Civil wars Flags |
Search Terms |
Civil War Civil War flags Flag remnants |
Physical Holder |
Kentucky Historical Society - KHS |