Chris Hondros / Getty Images

A man looks at "Custer's Last Flag" at Sotheby's auction house Dec. 3, in New York City. The flag, one of the few remnants of the famous 1876 battle in which General George Custer and his men were slaughtered by a band of Native American warriors after he staged a misgiuded attack, is billed as "the most significant and symbolic artefact recovered from the Little Bighorn battlefield" and is scheduled to be auctioned on December 10.

Custer's Last Flag: Sotheby's to auction piece of history from The Battle of the Little Bighorn

Thinking about what this flag witnessed makes me shudder, as the auction catalogue describes the tattered flag as having "some fraying, splits, and tears; some running of color; staining, including, evidently, blood stains; with losses from both battle and souvenir-takers." Sotheby's expects this piece to fetch $2-$5 million. If you'd like to read more about the lot, or have the cash to place a bid, check out Sotheby's page on the item.

Discuss this post

Why is this article not in the Smithsonian?

    Reply#1 - Fri Dec 3, 2010 5:09 PM EST

    They should burn it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Reply#2 - Fri Dec 3, 2010 7:16 PM EST

      Well, I stand corrected, they should give it to the Sioux and Cheyenne Nations. Afterall, winner gets the flag.

        Reply#3 - Fri Dec 3, 2010 7:48 PM EST
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