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WORLD WAR I 2ND ANTI-AIRCRAFT MACHINE GUN BATTALION NATIONAL FLAG

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
WORLD WAR I 2ND ANTI-AIRCRAFT MACHINE GUN BATTALION NATIONAL FLAG
An important and unusual World War I relic, a original U.S. issue National Flag measuring 72" x 50", made of wool bunting with applied stars, with the original Philadelphia QM Depot issue tag on the interior, carried to France during World War I by Col. Jophanus Orville Whitney of the 2nd Anti-Aircraft Machine Gun Battalion. After the War, Whitney willed the flag to a member of his regiment, Capt. Sherman of Ohio, who took possession of it upon his death. A letter of provenance from his daughter, who signs "Mom Sherman", dated May 12, 1956, explains: "...This flag was purchased by the boys of the old 5th Mass. Infantry National Guard. It went to France with Col. Orville Whitney and was in his hdqts, during the First World War, at Verenze, France, in the Meuse-Argonne and remained with him until his return home to Medford, Mass. Dad [Capt. Sherman] was with the original anti-aircraft outfit under Col. Whitney's command. Upon his death Col. Whitney willed this flag to Dad. Dad was the honor guard at his funeral and led the rider-less mount to the cemetery. A new flag was issued to replace this flag which was presented to Col. Whitney by his men upon his discharge from active service...". Includes a copy of Col. Whitney's service record for the 2nd Anti-Aircraft MG Bn., and Massachusetts state records on Whitney and his unit which clearly show that Sherman was Capt. The flag bears a hoist edge with sleeve for a pole and leather securing tab at top. Soiling from use and storage, with wear, some tearing and moth holes concentrated on the hoist side. In good, but delicate condition, most worthy of proper restoration and display.