The Civil War Signal Corps Insignia
Again, the "common wisdom" is that the Signal Corps Insignia was the crossed flags without the torch until circa 1866-67 or, according to Signal Corps lore, 1884. This always seemed rather strange to me given that the torches were part of the kit in the field since, at least, 1862. This was clearly shown in the Harpers June 28, 1862 issue in my possession. Note the date of 2 Feb 1864. Note also the Georgetown postmark. The left flag is the Signal Corps Battle Flag. The right is one I am not familiar with but "may" represent the 4th year of service in the war. The torch is clearly in the center. Does this mean the sleeve patch or officer hat pin had the torch? No, and perhaps yes, here and there perhaps in the West. But, I would not stake a bet on it without proof. This is just another example where you cannot state that only one condition existed during those early years. What was official if this came from the headquarters? Like so many "traditions" this one most likely evolved over time. The late date merely officializing what was already pretty well known. Now, where would be the place to look for orange sashes?
Link to another November 5th, 1863 envelope mailed from Hilton Head to New York
This added from the Signal Corps Museum:
Hello Dave, Mike Rodgers here... I was reading your interesting article on when were torches added to the flags... We at the museum use as a reference the book by LTC William K. Emerson Chevrons printed by the Smithsonian Press... On page 94 he writes "A flaming torch was added to other Signal Corps insignia in 1884, but because of stocks on hand, nothing was specified for enlisted chevrons until 1891, when the crossed flags were replaced by crossed flags and a flaming torch... The envelope you show could have been done at someone's whim... Like the army of today some things are "tweeked" as the commander turns a blind eye....