Post Civil War Signal Kit

Here is an original signal flag and torch kit. It dates to Circa. Spanish American War. As such, it has changes and modifications from the Civil War versions. The first thing that is striking is the material used in the case. It is much more refined than the rubber blanket sort of thing recommended by Myer. The refinement is pretty clear and the lack of wartime expediency obvious. My thanks to the Signal Museum at Ft. Gordon for these photographs.
Late note: information from the 1877 Myer signal manual clearly indicates that this style of kit was in use much earlier than was suspected. More on this as it develops.
The Contents
Click on each image to see a larger image.

	Flying Torch This copper torch was mounted on the top of the pole set and filled with turpentine. It is probably very close in design to the Civil War design.
	This is another view of the flying torch. Note where the filler is compared with the design of some of the replicas that have the filler in the bottom.No known documentation supports the bottom fill method.
	This view of the kit points out several things: 1) the brass truck on the end of the third four foot pole section, 2) the bottom filler for the foot torch which deviates from the Civil War design specifications and, 3) the inclusion of an extra torch set. This may have been to allow rotating torches for refills during message transmission. Again, a further refinement.
	Torch shield closeup This very refined version of the torch flame shield shows how the issue of field damage and shield slippage was addressed.
	Snuffer Cap The snuffer caps shown here do not differ from the ones used during the Civil War.
	The Red Flag This is the standard four foot red signal flag.
	Wicking string This wicking material is made of cotton string in a ball. You cut to six inch length and select enough strands to make a good wick fit. We use mop string made of cotton.
	The White Flag This is the standard four foot white flag.
	Another view of the torch shield as installed.
	Leather Haversack This leather haversack is a refinement of the painted linen version common to the civilwar era.