FORT SUMTER – A pair of red and white swatches of linen identified as from the U.S. Flag that flew over Fort Sumter when it was surrendered by Major Robert Anderson in April 1861 [With:] a swatch of red fabric identified as from the Confederate flag that flew over Fort Sumter at the time of its capture by Union forces in February 1865.

Mementoes from the start and end of the Civil War. A set of three fabric swatches affixed to a sheet bearing a note in ink as "Pieces of the United States Flag taken at Fort Sumpter [sic]", two of which are identified on an envelope which had housed them: "Two pieces of U.S. Flag taken by the Confederates at the fall of Fort Sumter." The second red swatch is marked on the envelope that housed it by John C. Gray, a Union soldier who participated in the retaking of the fort in February 1865, as a "Piece of the flag of Fort Sumter". Beneath Geary's note another person has written: "The tradition is that it was cut out of the Confederate Flag after the retaking of the Ft Sumter. J[ohn] C. G[ray] was part of the force that took the fort."

U.S. Flag, both pieces 85 x 65mm and affixed to a larger sheet; identifying envelope 104 x 242mm. Confederate Flag: 70 x 55mm. Also affixed to a larger sheet; identifying envelope, 129 x 85mm. All matted and framed. Provenance: William E. Simon – by descent to the consignor.