LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2006 Dec Signature Civil War Auction #642  / 

25056

Civil War Veteran's 40 Star U.S. Coffin Flag

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:300.00 USD Estimated At:1,200.00 - 1,800.00 USD
Civil War Veteran's 40 Star U.S. Coffin Flag
<B>Union Civil War Veteran's 40 Star U.S. Coffin Flag.</B></I> The 40 star flag came about with the admission of South Dakota to the union in 1890. However, it became obsolete before it even really had a chance to be rung up the flagpole. The admission of North and South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana and Utah took the flag to 43 stars. This flag is quite rare, since there was never officially a 40 star flag. It is a lovely manufactured flag with a hard canvas area to the left of the canton and field for hanging or display. The name of the soldier whose casket this flag was draped over is on this canvas section. Edmund P. Yocum was a private during the Civil War; he served with the 119th Pennsylvania Infantry (photocopies of his original service records are included). This flag was used at Yocum's funeral when he died presumably around 1890. He was a plumber by trade who lived in Philadelphia all his life. He served his country valiantly and was awarded a fine military funeral. This flag comes complete with copies of Yocum's military records. At a military funeral, when the flag is used to cover a casket, it is placed so that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag is never lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground. The flag is in great condition for its age! It measures 9' long and 5' wide. The flag is soiled badly but it gives the flag a wonderful patina and aged look. The ends are starting to separate and fray slightly, but this is easily correctable with any textile conservator's help. There is also one small mend near the right edge, a hole has been repaired with a piece of red cloth and hand stitching. This flag, in its extreme rarity and good condition, will make a wonderful display piece for any vexillophile!<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Large Collectibles (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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