Flags – the finishing touch.

On a recent post I received a number of queries about the flags for my late 17^th century units, namely the shaping or bringing movement to them.

I draw by hand and paint my own flags and since last three decades, the technique has become second nature to me even the size of flags and standards has remain consistent over the past decades.

Tips:

This latest project (Late 17^th c.), I have made enough flags and standards for units that have yet to be ordered. This not only works as a stimulus to finish my project, but also saves set up time and paint.

Apply a fixative to protect your finished work as fixing flags to their staffs you may smudge or wipe out detail with your fingers or thumb.

My flags are marked with a centre line, so they can be folded in half.

Using a piece of brass rod I will score that section which wraps around the staff.

Un-diluted white glue is applied to one side and the area which will fit around the staff. Matching the upper corners, gently press the two halves together working back to the staff. Using your thumbnail, make sure the flag is set 

tight about the staff.

Half n’ half method:

Using a brush handle, preferably thin, set this at about a 60 degree angle and gently curl the flag back.

From the farthest upper corner curl the flag back in the opposite direction stopping short of half way.

This “S” form can become compact (close to the staff) or relaxed as in fully extended. 

Your choice.