Painting Tips for ACW Models
Naval Ensigns A vessel
would fly the ensign from the aftmost mast if masts were carried, or from a staff near the
stern of the vessel.
Union Navy
The Union used the national flag, otherwise known as the Stars and Stripes. This
was similar to the modern US flag, but had fewer stars.
The exact number and pattern of stars varied throughout the war, but a common pattern was
five rows of seven stars.
Even in 1/600th, this will not be clear enough to matter, particularly once the flag is
moulded into shape.

Confederate Navy
The Confederate navy, on the other hand, changed its flag twice during the war.
Between 4 March 1861 to 1 May 1863 , the Stars and Bars was used.

This was replaced by the "Stainless Banner" from 1 May 1863 to 4 March 1865.

From the 4 March 1865 a red stripe along the fly (away from the flagpole) edge was added
to avoid confusion with a white flag of surrender.

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