Help Identifying "US/A" Guidon

[Sandy Bottoms]

Hi, New here, thanks for having me.

 

I picked up this guidon at a flea market recently and wonder if it's authentic and from about when, or maybe it's a prop reproduction. Either way, it's a nice addition to the collection and I'm happy to have it.

 

No tag.

Measures 38" x 25 1/2".

Leather straps on top and bottom inside the pole sleeve.

 

Any insights appreciated. Thanks.

[Mr.Jerry]

Welcome!  The red and white make it cavalry- but the designation is odd.  The US would seem redundant, the A would normally be a troop letter, but in this context who knows.  Being a non-issue piece (No QM tag inside sleeve) possibly a retirement gift for a cavalry commander "US Army"? hard to say, but anyway a neat piece. is it double sided?

 

[Sandy Bottoms]

Appreciate the welcome and the insights, Mr.Jerry. Thanks!

 

Yep, it's double-sided. And, yep, you're right that the US seems redundant. Perhaps it was a retirement gift (nice thought). Or, after a little more digging, my best guess is a reproduction of an 1830s US Dragoons, Company A guidon, which, according CavHooah's website is a possibility. 

 

From CavHooah...

"1834 - Army Regulations authorize a silk, 27-inch by 41-inch red-over-white guidon for the Regiment of Dragoons (now the 1st Cavalry). It had a 15 inch forked swallow tail, with the letters "U.S." in white on the upper half and the company letter in red on the lower. It was carried on a nine-foot lance with a finnial at the top in the shape of an arrowhead (or spearhead). Color Bearers would attach a small leather cup or “boot” to the stirrup leathers on the off side of their saddle (see post on saddles below) to facilitate carrying the flags while mounted.

1836 - The 2d Regiment of Dragoons is formed. Most guidons issued thereafter included not only the "U.S." and company letter, but also the regimental number."

 

Thanks again!