American Historical Ephemera and Photography

Approx. 66 x 93 in. machine-sewn wool flag with 45 double-appliquéd cotton stars configured in 8/7/8/7/8/7 pattern (toning, soiling, some areas of separation and small holes scattered throughout, some repaired areas throughout). Hoist is cotton with 2 brass grommets, stamped "6 x 10 ft.," and inscribed, "G.W. Potter." Ca 1896-1908.

Research indicates that George W. Potter (1878-1964) served with the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry, Company K, during the Spanish American War. Organized in early May, 1898, the 2nd Massachusetts was one of three state volunteer regiments that fought in the Santiago Campaign in Cuba, and the only volunteer unit at the Battle of El Caney. In the days leading up to El Caney, the regiment reportedly made camp beside Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders. The 2nd Massachusetts also participated in the Siege of Santiago until the city surrendered, spent several weeks in Cuba, and was moved back to the United States as a result of disease in August. After the end of a quarantine period the regiment was placed on leave and mustered out in early November, 1898. In Walter W. Ward's book entitled, Springfield in the Spanish-American War (Enterprise Printing, Co., 1899), which records the service of the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry, a "Potter" from Company K is mentioned on page. 132.

The flag is accompanied by additional material related to the Spanish American War, highlighted by: 8 stereoviews, various publishers, including images of US Marines drilling, gunners in action, and a view of "Uncle Sam's Soldiers" marching at McKinley's Inauguration in Washington, DC (toning, occasional soiling, edge and corner wear). -- 4 1/2 x 6 3/4 in. silver gelatin photograph inscribed on verso, "Marines bull riding" (edge loss). -- 7 1/2 x 9 3/8 in. print of the US Warship Maine, housed under mat with title at lower right. Providence, RI: Albertype Co. (partial separation/crack in image/mount near top edge, scattered spotting, toning). -- 6 x 8 in. silver gelatin photograph on cardstock mount with inscription, "Survivors of USS Maine" (soiling, surface wear to print and mount, edge and corner loss). -- The Patriot. Harrisburg, PA: 16 February 1899. Partial newspaper with front page report on the mass held in honor of victims of the USS Maine explosion (incomplete, chipping and areas of loss). -- 3 issues of late 19th century magazines, including Scientific American (New York, 5 October 1889) with details regarding the construction of the USS Maine, along with Leslie's Weekly (New York, 21 July 1898) and Collier's Weekly (Christmas, 1898), each reporting on Spanish American War developments. Additional pages removed from publications associated with the war are enclosed. -- Pair of figural spelter bookends featuring military subjects, 12 in. ht., one identified at base as "Army," the other identified as "Navy" (wear consistent with age and use).

Together, an interesting assemblage of artifacts associated with the Spanish American War highlighted by a 45-star American flag identified to George W. Potter of the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry.