"Cavalry Regiment Flag Pole Length" Topic

I know that the standard pole for infantry was 9'10" (118") from the base of the pole to the tip of the spear. In 1/56 scale that works out to 53.3mm long. I just opened up a box of Perry Union Infantry and there are two poles on the HQ sprue; one is 51mm and the other is 53mm. So about perfect.

But then I opened up a box of their Generic Cavalry, and the pole contained in the cavalry box is 45mm long. That works out to be about 99" in real life, a solid 19" short.

Does anyone know if cavalry poles were shorter, and if so, what the real length is supposed to be?

It makes sense that it "could" be shorter, since cavalry had smaller regimental flags, and those guidons were small as well. But perhaps they are supposed to be the same length, and the Perry's goofed.

Any help would be appreciated!

A quick google search for Union cavalry standard pole suggests it should be 9 ft to the tip of the finial, so 108".

Wonderful! Thanks so much. I revised my searches using your info above and found the posting where the infantry and cavalry poles were discussed. There was even a reference to the actual federal regulation! Always appreciated.

You are welcome! That is what these sites are for, helping fellow enthusiasts.

I am not sure how close to regulation would a staff be cut for field expedience. Even in 1861 as companies were being mustered, more about the banner rather than the staff. Both were tossed into wagons after regimental musters (companies being assigned to a regiment). They were not taken to battle but used in bivouac as a camp flag which designated where the company would sleep. So in the early years plenty of staffs. Lol.

I didn't want to get too caught up in the "official" length, but as I am only just now starting to work on a larger batch of figures so I can base for regimental games (and not just skirmish Brother Against Brother games), I thought it prudent to ask.

Costs me nothing to be told they had a set, uniform length, or they varied greatly. Just wanted to know what the experts here thought.

I am planning to make some two-part poles, the lower part held by the soldier will be a hollow brass tube. The upper part will have the flag itself, and a long pin which is inserted into the lower pole so it stays in place.

Should work fine for gaming, but make storage of the troopers much easier not having a long pole with a fragile paper flag on it. Those can be stored laying flat.

I am thinking about a 20mm lower pole, and then a 35mm upper pole with finial and flag on it. Will see how successful my first attempt is.

I go with what looks right.