The two items are among more than 750 that will be put up Sunday and Monday in Gettysburg — site of the 1863 tide-turning Civil War battle — by Heritage Auction Galleries of Dallas. Online and phone bidders will also participate.

The silk, swallow-tailed flag was made by Custer’s wife, Elizabeth, and carried into battle during the closing days of the all-American conflict. The banner, which features crossed cavalry sabers, was at Custer’s side at Appomattox Courthouse, Va., when Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered Confederate forces to Grant.

The flag was left at Custer’s headquarters at Fort Abraham Lincoln, Dakota Territory, in 1876 when Custer and his men were wiped out at Little Big Horn by Lakota and Northern Cheyenne warriors.

Grant’s sword was presented by citizens of Kentucky in 1864 to honor his promotion to General-in-Chief of all Union forces. The silver and gold sword contains a 28-diamond monogram and is covered with intricate designs, including engraved battle scenes on its 33-inch blade.

Gary Hendershott, Heritage’s director of Civil War auctions, sees the two showcase items as equally significant.

“There’s more than military history, it’s really American history. The Custer flag has so much romance wrapped up in it, it was made by his wife,” Hendershott said.

The sword, he said, may be the finest from the Civil War period.

“It’s really a hallmark of American silversmith craftsmanship,” he said.

Civil War auction: http://www.HA.com/civilwar

Posted: 06|22|07 at 5:28 pm. Filed under: US News.