Description:

This swallowtail silk regimental flag is made of two pieces of red silk.  Each side was painted with a different design and then sewn together.  The obverse is painted with the coat of arm of the State of Michigan in the center.  Two blue ribbons painted below the coat of arms have the regimental designation “6th MICHIGAN CAVALRY.”  Battle honors painted in gold surround the design.  Starting at the bottom hoist edge and going clockwise they read “COLD HARBOR. HAWE’S SHOP. YELLOW TAVERN. WILDERNESS. HANOVER. MEADOW BRIDGE. OLD CHURCH. TREVILLIAN STATION.” Gold decorative lines surround the battle honors.  The reverse is painted with an eagle holding a shield that says “Union on it and perched on flags.  Above the eagle on a painted ribbon the regimental motto “FEAR NOT DEATH; FEAR DISHONOR.” is painted in gold.  A different set of battle honors surrounds this design.  Starting with the top fly edge and going clockwise they read. “KEARNEYSVILLE. CEDARVILLE. SHEPHARDSTOWN. WINCHESTER. TOM’S BROOK. LURAY. CEDAR CREEK. PORT REPUBLIC. SMITHFIELD.”.  A gold-colored silk fringe is attached to the top, bottom and fly edge.  Two cloth ties are attached to the hoist end for attachment to the staff.

The staff, which measures 84.75” by 1.25”, is topped by a spade-shaped finial.