42-Star 7th Cavalry Regiment Parade Guidon, Printed "7C", Circa 1889-1895

Presented is 42-star 7th Cavalry Regiment parade guidon, dating to 1889-1895. The guidon is printed in cotton, and stenciled over with a “7” over crossed swords of the 7th Cavalry Regiment. The flag also has a stenciled “C” indicating the specific troop. 

The 7th Cavalry Regiment, formed in 1866, played a prominent role in the U.S. Army, particularly during the Indian Wars. Led by the charismatic Lieutenant Colonel Custer, the regiment saw action in famous battles, like the Battle of Washita and the Battle of the Little Bighorn. In the 1880s and 1890s, the 7th Cavalry Regiment continued to play a significant role in policing Native American uprisings and frontier conflicts. Following Custer's death, the regiment was led by various commanders, including Colonel James W. Forsyth, who took command in 1886. The 7th Cavalry's activities during this period included suppressing Ghost Dance ceremonies in the 1890s and the tragic Wounded Knee Massacre and Drexel Mission Fight. 

This 7th Cavalry parade guidon flag was found in a wooden crate at Fort Sheridan, outside of Chicago in the early 1970s, when the fort was being decommissioned. It is believed that the parade guidon was originally made for recruitment efforts at the Presidio in San Francisco, California, circa 1889. Sometime after that, the flag was transferred to Fort Sheridan and used periodically for parades and ceremonies. One of the common ceremonies of the late 19th century was "Pass in Review" of visiting regiments of infantry and cavalry on the Fort's parade ground. 

The fact that this flag has 42-stars not only helps us date the flag, but is also very interesting from a historical perspective, because 42 was never an official star count. 42-star flags were only produced for 8 months, from November 1889 to July 4, 1890. The flag represents the addition of the Dakotas, Montana and Washington, between November 2 and November 11, 1889, to the Union. The 42nd state was officially Washington, but the four states gained their statehood only nine days apart, and flag makers added four stars, accordingly, to the previously official 38-star flag. Moreover, Idaho received statehood on July 3, 1890, taking the star count to 43 just one day before 42 would have become the official number. Flag makers were not always quick enough to correct star counts however, so it is possible 42-star flags were made well into 1890s.

CONDITION:

42-star 7th Cavalry Regiment parade guidon. Guidon is printed on cotton and stenciled with a "7" over crossed swords of the 7th Cavalry Regiment and " C," for the specific troop. Overprinting is faded to light brown. Water stains to the middle of the field. Toning to white, minimal fading to blue canton. The flag measures 18” H x 24” W. 

Flag is archivally mounted and framed on a black linen acid-free mat, with custom metal plaque, and UV Conservation Clear glass, brushed gold spandrel, and black wooden frame. 

Framed Dimensions: 25 3/4"H x 30 1/2"W x 1 3/4"D. 

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.