Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a great example of a rare Spanish "Knapsack flag", dating from the Spanish-American war era. It measures a very displayable 34" x 34", and is of light canvas construction, with the Red, Yellow, and Red stripes of the Spanish national flag. In the center is a variation of the Spanish coat of arms, possibly one specific to the army or the regiment. Surrounding it is the following text:

REGIMIENTO INFANTERIA
(Coat of Arms)
DE
MURCIA No 37

The Spanish 37th Infantry Regiment "Murcia" was traditionally part of the 2nd Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, which was part of the Spanish 7th Army corps. Members of the regiment were deployed in Cuba during the Spanish-American war, though unfortunately the records for the Spanish Order of battle during the conflict are somewhat lacking in detail, so we are unable to determine which specific battles they took part in, if any.

Condition is very good, with the expected age toning and light wear from service, as shown. There is some staining on the body, but overall the colors are very well retained. It looks like there were some corner ties on either end of the top, however only one side remains.

A lovely example, more than ready for further research and display!

The Knapsack Flag is a uniquely Spanish phenomenon, and basically were given to every member of a unit, with the designation printed on it. In Spain it is called a Bandera de Mochila, but is sometimes also referred to as a Bandera de Percha or "hanger flag." Although commonly called a flag, the regulations refer to it as a pañuelo, i.e. a bandana or handkerchief. A list of items to be issued to troops embarking for Cuba published in the January 12, 1898 edition of "Diario Oficial del Ministerio de la Guerra" references the knapsack flag as a pañuelo cubrepercha or "hanger covering bandana." The knapsack flag was first issued in 1860 to the expeditionary forces fighting in North Africa. This tradition of giving every Spanish soldier his own personal flag continued until 1927.