General Van Dorn favored this type of flag for the regiments in his corps in the western theater during the American Civil War.
Stick flags have long been popular for waving at parades and other similar gatherings. They have also been used in formal applications including use at tables to identify participants. In the 20th Century they have also become popular for souvenir, and novelty use. Besides current international flags, and internal political subdivisions the reproduction of historical flags has also become popular, especially at museums and historic sites.
Generally available in sizes close to 8x12 and 12x18 these flags were generally printed on a variety of materials including gauze, silk and cotton. During the American Revolution Bicentennial large quantities of these flags began to be imported from offshore, mostly the orient. Now lightweight polyester stick flags are a staple in this type of flags. Plastic sheeting which does not have to be cut and sewn, only sliced on automatic machines have also become quite popular for the low end stick flag market.
Originally mounted on to wooden dowels with wooden tops, they may now be found with plastic tops and staffs as well.
