HISTORIC AND IMPORTANT FLAG OF THE ALL BLACK 38TH REGIMENT US INFANTRY.

Surviving Civil War and Indian War flags of all black American regiments are almost non-extant in institutional collections and more so the private sector, this most likely being the only one to ever be offered in an international auction. The 38th all black US Infantry was first established on July 18th, 1866. It was stationed in New Mexico territory for the purpose of protecting workers from hostile Indians along the Transcontinental railroad route then being constructed. This was among the first totally segregated all black units formed after the Civil War. This unit prior to reorganization was originally the 38th US Colored Infantry Regiment which was formed in 1864 and fought in operations around Petersburg and Richmond for the remainder of the war. During these actions around Richmond, three members William Barns, James Harris, and Edward Ratcliff would be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor (the 38th USI would see five more Medal of Honor recipients during the Korean War). At the end of the Civil War the 38th was moved to service station near Galveston, Texas. The 38th USCT was mustered out of service January 25th, 1867, just after the formation of the 38th United States Infantry. Interesting historical note, is the induction of Cathay Williams as the first African-American woman to enlist, and the only documented woman to serve in the United States Army as a man, under the pseudonym William Cathay. Her story is chronicled in the St. Louis Daily Times in January 1876. The 38th US Infantry would have three short years of service being consolidated into the 24th infantry regiment in March of 1869, when this flag would have been retired. West Point at one time had a great number of colors of the early colored troop flags and black regimental flags. The 38th USCT once at West Point is no longer in existence as many of the poor condition silk flags were deassessed or just thrown out in the 1940’s. There is no record of the 38th US Infantry flag ever at West Point. It is most likely these colors were retained by Brevet Colonel Merriam when the regiment was consolidated in 1869. The 38th is noted to have been involved in at least three battles with Indians during their tenure, June 26th, 1867 Wilson’s Creek Kansas, July 29th, 1867 near Fort Hayes, and March 26th, 1869 in the San Francisco mountains New Mexico. Black infantry units often fought besides their counterparts in the cavalry (Buffalo Soldiers). Regardless this is the only 1860’s vintage American National colors of a historic black regiment probably to be ever offered in an international auction. CONDITION: Originally this flag would have measured 6′ x 6′ square, all that is retained is the complete Canton measuring about 39″ x 39″ with 34 two inch double applique gold painted stars, along with middle red strip with unit designation displayed above. Of note is that flag is 34 star, where 36 star would have been proper configuration, however it is noted to be quite common that surplus Civil War flags saw continued use well into the 1870’s with new designations. Flag has been framed and has not been dismounted, but it appears to have been mounted utilizing straight pins to hold sections in place. Color is very good, there is some flaking to gold paint in lettering and portion of 2 letters are missing. Portion of stripes can still be seen attached to Canton as is original gold fringe on bottom edge of Canton and edge of stripe. 49357-1 JS (6,000-8,000) – Lot 3353

Auction: Firearms - October 2015

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	3353	$0.00	HISTORIC AND IMPORTANT FLAG OF THE ALL BLACK 38TH REGIMENT US INFANTRY. Surviving Civil War and Indian War flags of all black American regiments are almost non-extant in institutional collections and more so the private sector, this most likely being the only one to ever be offered in an international auction. The 38th all black US Infantry was first established on July 18th, 1866. It was stationed in New Mexico territory for the purpose of protecting workers from hostile Indians along the Transcontinental railroad route then being constructed. This was among the first totally segregated all black units formed after the Civil War. This unit prior to reorganization was originally the 38th US Colored Infantry Regiment which was formed in 1864 and fought in operations around Petersburg and Richmond for the remainder of the war. During these actions around Richmond, three members William Barns, James Harris, and Edward Ratcliff would be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor (the 38th USI would see five more Medal of Honor recipients during the Korean War). At the end of the Civil War the 38th was moved to service station near Galveston, Texas. The 38th USCT was mustered out of service January 25th, 1867, just after the formation of the 38th United States Infantry. Interesting historical note, is the induction of Cathay Williams as the first African-American woman to enlist, and the only documented woman to serve in the United States Army as a man, under the pseudonym William Cathay. Her story is chronicled in the St. Louis Daily Times in January 1876. The 38th US Infantry would have three short years of service being consolidated into the 24th infantry regiment in March of 1869, when this flag would have been retired. West Point at one time had a great number of colors of the early colored troop flags and black regimental flags. The 38th USCT once at West Point is no longer in existence as many of the poor condition silk flags were deassessed or just thrown out in the 1940’s. There is no record of the 38th US Infantry flag ever at West Point. It is most likely these colors were retained by Brevet Colonel Merriam when the regiment was consolidated in 1869. The 38th is noted to have been involved in at least three battles with Indians during their tenure, June 26th, 1867 Wilson’s Creek Kansas, July 29th, 1867 near Fort Hayes, and March 26th, 1869 in the San Francisco mountains New Mexico. Black infantry units often fought besides their counterparts in the cavalry (Buffalo Soldiers). Regardless this is the only 1860’s vintage American National colors of a historic black regiment probably to be ever offered in an international auction. CONDITION: Originally this flag would have measured 6′ x 6′ square, all that is retained is the complete Canton measuring about 39″ x 39″ with 34 two inch double applique gold painted stars, along with middle red strip with unit designation displayed above. Of note is that flag is 34 star, where 36 star would have been proper configuration, however it is noted to be quite common that surplus Civil War flags saw continued use well into the 1870’s with new designations. Flag has been framed and has not been dismounted, but it appears to have been mounted utilizing straight pins to hold sections in place. Color is very good, there is some flaking to gold paint in lettering and portion of 2 letters are missing. Portion of stripes can still be seen attached to Canton as is original gold fringe on bottom edge of Canton and edge of stripe. 49357-1 JS (6,000-8,000) – Lot 3353 Auction: Firearms - October 2015 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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HISTORIC AND IMPORTANT FLAG OF THE ALL BLACK 38TH REGIMENT US INFANTRY.