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 33" x 35", 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. Surrounding it is the text:

REGIMIENTO INFANTERÍA
DE
MELILLA NO. 59.

This regiment fought in the Melilla Campaign of 1909. The regiment under Colonel Primo de Rivera took part in the entire campaign. It was troops from the regiment who raised the flag atop Gurugú on September 29, 1909. During the campaign, First Lieutenant Rafael de los Reyes Ortiz was awarded the Laureate Cross. He died in combat on July 23, 1909.

Condition is very good, with the expected age toning and light wear from service, as shown. There are some small holes in the body. 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 there are none remaining.

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.