Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Flag |
Catalog Number |
WD 314 |
Description |
Pattern: N/A flag; red and blue field divided horizontally, orange appliqué crossed swords; possibly a swallowtail (previously identified as such, for unknown/undocumented reasons); wool. Stars: None. Border: 1 1/2 inches white canvas on hoist edge. Attachment: Eyelets. With flagstaff (a). Unit Designation: None. Battle Honors: None. |
Material |
textile (wool) |
Dimensions |
H-30 W-31 inches |
Owned |
John Allestron [John V. Allstrom] |
Owner Regiment |
Headquarters (or Personal Guidon), Gen. George A. Custer, USA (tentative) |
Event |
Battle of Sailor's Creek / Sayler's Creek / Saylor's Creek |
Provenance |
Possibly the personal guidon of Gen. George A. Custer, U.S.A. (tentative). Believed captured by Confederate troops and later recaptured at the battle of Sayler's Creek, Virginia, April 1865 by Maj. John V. Allstrom [misspelled "Allestron" in the register of captured flags], 3rd New Jersey Cavalry [misidentified as the 3rd New York Cavalry in the register of captured flags]. Identification based on modern research. Identification as Custer's personal guidon apparently based on appearance; red over blue with crossed sabres was the design of his personal guidon. [See file for additional info and speculation on this ID.] "Rebel Battle Flag capture in Battle of Sailor's Creek April 6th 1865 by Major John Allestron 3rd N.Y. Cav. Vols. 1st Brigade 3rd Cavalry Division Genl. Custar Commdg." (from "Record of Rebel Flags Captured by Union Troops After April 19, 1861", National Archives, RG 94) |
People |
Allestron, John Allstrom, John V. Custer, George Armstrong |
Search Terms |
items recaptured Appomattox Campaign |
Subjects |
flags |