Grant's sword, Custer's flag could bring millions
DALLAS — Millions of dollars worth of Civil War artifacts will be up for auction this weekend in Gettysburg.
The victors will walk away with Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer's frayed battle flag and a diamond-adorned sword that was presented to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant. Each is estimated to bring winning bids in the range of $2 million.
The two marquee items are among more than 750 that will be put up Sunday and Monday in Gettysburg — site of the 1863 tide-turning Civil War battle — by Heritage Auction Galleries of Dallas. Online and phone bidders will also participate.
The silk, swallow-tailed flag was made by Custer's wife, Elizabeth, and carried into battle during the closing days of the all-American conflict. The banner, which features crossed cavalry sabers, was at Custer's side at Appomattox Courthouse, Va., when Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered Confederate forces to Grant.
The flag was left at Custer's headquarters at Fort Abraham Lincoln, Dakota Territory, in 1876 when Custer and his men were wiped out at Little Big Horn by Lakota and Northern Cheyenne warriors.
Grant's sword was presented by citizens of Kentucky in 1864 to honor his promotion to General-in-Chief of all Union forces.
Other items in the wide-ranging auction include Confederate Col. John Thompson Brown's frock coat; a "Bonnie Blue" flag carried by the 3rd Texas State Cavalry; and an ornate saddle cloth that belonged to Union Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan. Each is estimated to bring as much as $120,000.
