Guns, Ammo, and Militaria Auction
Lot 2090:
Large sewn 38 star United States flag. Measuring 12’6” x 7’6” (150″x90″) this flag would have been a beautiful sight to see waving in the sky above Fort Sheridan, Illinois. No markings visible anywhere on the flag. For its age it is in good condition with some tears from use. There are some older repairs visible as well, suggesting that this flag was well cared for and retained for use. Please see pictures for condition. In 1877, a star was added,representing Colorado, bringing the total number of stars to 38. This flag flew from 4 July, 1877 to 3 July, 1890. The US Congress passed an enabling act in 1875, specifying the requirements for the the Territory of Colorado to become a state. On August 1st, 1876, President Grant signed a proclamation admitting Colorado to the Union as the 38th state. It became known as the Centennial State, as a result of becoming an official state 28 days after the Centennial of the US. Even though the official star count for US flags in 1876 was the 37, it was common for makers to produce flags in advance of their official dates. This was a result of customer demand and competition between the makers. For this reason, the 13 and 38 star flags were the most common flags flown during the many Centennial celebrations. This flag would have seen use during the US Army’s forays into the western half of the United States during the Indian Wars. For context on where this flag was flown, the cemetery at Fort Sheridan began burying soldiers in 1889. The fort was closed by the Dept. of Defense in 1993. This would have come into the public sphere around that time as the fort was converted to civilian housing and use.
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