"Napoleonics flag size: GMB vs Flags of War" Topic

Hi all,

I know GMB designs flags quality is amazing. I also know they are a bit big for Perry Miniatures. Any idea how the Flags of War flags compare – in size?

cheers,
Blancard

Im not sure what size GMB is mate but my flags are 34x34mm when on the poles.

Thanks for the quick response! I'll take some measurements tonight at home for comparison.

All nice flags, but have a look at Maverick Models:

maverick-models.com

Stuart will send an email after your order to confirm the size of Flag/Colour/Standard/Guidon that you want,

Tally Ho!

The numbers I have seen do seem to support the conclusion that many flags are a bit oversized for the scales intended. For example:

French early flags (1804/1812 style) were 80cm square for infantry on a 201cm staff and 60cm square for most cavalry giving about 14mm on a 36mm staff for infantry and 10mm for cavalry for 28mm figures. (Victrix in their 1/56 scale 28mm infantry figures give 20mm flags and Perry give 17mm in their Dragoons and 15mm for Cuirassier)

Late French (1815) were 120cm square for infantry giving about 21mm. (Perry give 22mm)

British infantry colours were 6 feet by 6.5 feet on a 9.75 foot pike giving a size of about 33mm by 35mm on 53.6mm pike. (Victrix in their 1/56 28mm figures give 35mm x 37mm flags and Perry give 31mm x 35mm)

GMB Russian Infantry flags are 34x34mm on the poles.

Nice flags. I like that you can order larger flags at maverick

for information/reference, I've just measured my existing French napoleonic flags by GMB design:
- 28x28mm for infantry
- 20x20mm for cavalry

20 with a fringe, 17.5 to 18 without ( the fringe IS exagerated – artistic licence ? )

Seriously – all my flags are different. The British are largest and originally designed to compliment large 28mm ( nominal) figures , which range in size – some being 32 to 33mm tall- boot to top of head. No manufacturer mentions a scale , though some mention 28mm to the eye.

I have some research on the average height of a serving soldier in the 18th century – allowing for diet and quality of life, it's around 5'5" or 5'6" – somewhat taller in the US due to a better diet…it's an interesting read.

epub.ub.uni-muenchen.de/572

That said, I've taken a nominal figure for the largest ( The British ) of 6mm to a foot. So 36 by 39. The new Crimean flags are smaller – designed to compliment the wee men from Great War Miniatures .

My British flags are the largest but all other nations are reduced in size relative to them. The French (1804 without fringe ) are larger than the real thing – but are 24mm square so they can be seen on the games table. French 1815 flags were larger at around 120cm – mine are currently 28mm including fringe.

I can resize if you wish.

Of course, until recently, the Perries didn't do Russians or Austrians…. Now that they do, and because Alan likes my flags – I'm inclined to adapt to suit their ranges.

G

gmbdesigns.com

Gad.

There seems to be an embarrassment of riches when it comes to flags available. So far, I have identified the following possible providers:

GMB
Flag Dude
Flags of War
Flags for the Lads
Maverick Models
Victrix
Old Glory
Warflags
Polymath Workshop
Rofur
Cotton Jims
Revo
Battle Flag
Signifer
Solway
Venner
Essex

I have no idea where to start, so I'll ask for help. HELP!. As I see it, there are three factors involved – size, quality and selection.

I am currently doing Foundry French infantry for the Peninsula Wars – whose flags do you think would fit them best? For example, I get the impression that GMB are high quality, but would be too big – does anyone disagree? They also only make flags for the 1st and 2nd battalions, whereas most French regiments in Spain were 3 battalions. This is the kind of insanity to which I am reduced.

Right now my top suspects are
Flags for the Lads
Flags of War
Flag Dude (who may be MIA)
Maverick Models
Polymath (only found these today)

Who has experience with any of these? Any comments, caveats, etc.? I'm totally at sea here.

Hi Mserafin,

GMG designs have the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th French battalions fanions. Both Line and Light.

I share the impression they are slightly big (though it's really subjective), but you can request a smaller size if that's what you want – see message above from the maker!

Blancard

Without wanting to appear too pushy ( my marketing has always trailed behind the product…)The third batts are not a problem, it's only a wee tiny '3' on the reverse of the flag.
I supply quite a lot of my customers with them.

I'd also suggest that you might find that my French 1804 flags are actually smaller than at least the first three names on that list.

Grahame, gmbdesigns.com

Grahame,

You don't need marketing, the flags speak for themselves. I have a few 7YW flags, and they are quite exquisite.

My plan is to do some of my regiments with eagles for all battalions, others with fanions for the 2-3rd battalions. My impression is that many regiments fought Imperial edicts like the one that took away all but the 1st battalion's eagles, the colonels wishing to make units distinct whenever possible.

Does anyone know what I can find flag pole finials (or complete flag poles) for the battalion fanions? Can I just use the wire pikes/spears that some companies make for earlier periods? It sure looks like that's what was used here:

Thanks for any and all help!