10th Michigan Volunteer Infantry
SC-31-90: Linen national ▪ Dimensions: 70”x 78”
Description:
There is only a handful of linen flags in our collection. This flag has embroidered stars. A large portion of the canton is missing, but given the arrangement, it appears was originally a 35-star flag with the stars arranged in seven 5-star rows; however, it is possible that one of the top rows originally only had four stars. The regimental designation is printed on the fourth white stripe and reads “10th Reg. Mich. Vet. Infty. The flag does not have a sleeve and appears to have been attached with cord and/or nails.
The staff, which measures 86.25” by 2”, is topped by a finial of an eagle perched on a ball. The staff has a metal sleeve on it. The staffs of flags returned to the state at the 1866 Detroit ceremony marking the end of the war all bear identical brass plaques. The brass plaque reads in Spencerian script “10th Mich. Infantry”.
The flag has a 112” blue and white twisted silk cord with two 1.75” blue and white tassels. The tassels are formed on a wooden core.
The flag was netted (sewn between layers of dyed net) in the 1960s in an early attempt at conservation.
Adoption:
June 26, 1994 - Michigan Society of Children of the American Revolution
10th Michigan Volunteer Infantry
SC-32-90: Silk national ▪ Dimensions: 69.75”x 77” ▪ Silk Fringe
Description:
This silk national flag is quite tattered, especially in the canton and on the fly end of the flag. Twenty-one of the original stars remain, but there is not enough remaining to determine how many stars the flag originally had. The flag is painted with battle honors on the red stripes, but these are likewise difficult to read. On the second red stripe, what remains reads “10th REGT -GAN INF-”. The third red stripe reads “FARMINGTO-”. The fourth red stripe reads “SEIGE OF CORIN-”. The fifth red stripe reads “STONE RIVER. ANTIOCH.”. The sixth red strip reads “MIS-IO-”. The final red stripe was painted with battle honors, but the only legible letter is “T”. A gold-colored silk fringe is attached on the top, bottom, and fly end of the flag, though some of the fringe is missing on the top fly edge. The hoist end was fashioned into a sleeve for attachment to the staff.
The staff, which measures 89” by 1.25” and is topped with a spear shaped finial. The staffs of flags returned to the state at the 1866 Detroit ceremony marking the end of the war all bear identical brass plaques. The brass plaque reads in Spencerian script “10th Mich. Infantry”.
No tassels or cords remain.
The flag was netted (sewn between layers of dyed net) in the 1960s in an early attempt at conservation.
Adoption:
May 13, 1995 - 10th Michigan Infantry Commemorative Organization
September 27, 2017 - Len and Sharon Walworth Thomas
August 19, 2021 - Fellowship Lodge #236 Free and Accepted Masons and Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation of Free and Accepted Masons
November 7, 2023 - The Walters Family