All these words are connected with flags of one sort or another. Types of flags: Bandera: A general word for any kind of flag; more especially, it is also used for the flag of an infantry formation a colour. Estendarte: A standard in the general sense, but more particularly, the flag of a cavalry formation. Perez and Gonzalez use this word for the flags of Spanish dragoon regiments as well. Guion: A small flag (typically 50 cm. square), used as a unit flag by independent units of smaller than regimental strength. The word derives from "guidon", but is not, in the Spanish army at least, used for such cavalry flags. Banderin: A small rectangular or square flag, used as a unit flag by infantry companies. Banderolas: A long, narrow flag with two tails, used to mean a lance pennant. Other words for flags include: "Pabellon" a personal standard, often heraldic. "Pendon" a pennant, a smaller flag with a fork tail. "Gallardete" a very long, narrow naval flag with a pointed or forked tail, a commission pennant. Parts of the flag: Pano: The sheet, the actual textile part of the flag. Asta: The staff or pike, to which the sheet is attached. Moharra: The finial, the metal decoration at the top of the staff, usually in the form of a spear-head. Cinta: The cravat; a broad cloth ribbon tied around the staff under the finial. Regaton: The ferrule; a metal shoe at the base of the staff. Sources: "Banderas de Espana", Jose Luis Calvo Perez and Luis Gravalos Gonzalez, Silex, 1983. "La Vexilologia y el Ejercito", Ricardo Serrador y Anino, in Revista Historico Militar, Vol.30 (1986), pp. 91-157. Back to Table of Contents -- El Dorado Vol VI No. 4 Back to El Dorado List of Issues Back to MagWeb Master Magazine List © Copyright 1992 by The South and Central American Military Historians Society This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com