In Spanish-American War, Paxson served in the Philippines, so he was familiar with uniforms, weapons & flags used in that period and it reflexes in this painting. His primary source was General E.S. Godfrey, who was a lieutenant with Captain Fredrick Benteen’s contingent and who had been one of the first to view the site after the battle. None of the Army records that I have seen, regarding the battle mention a yellow flag. It seems there should be something on it, in the records. Is there a copy of the statements by Godfrey & Siefert that can be posted here? If not where can one find them? The research of Colonel W.A. Graham, Jim Hutchin and Randy Steffen on the battle, the regimental was blue.

Paxon, did his historical research on the battle and was one of the most authentic western painters but on the “ Custer’s Last (Fight) Stand” painting his imagination came into play. The uniforms, hats, etc., are somewhat out of period. (see Randy Steffen’s research on the Horse Soldier). So is, with the yellow flag and position of the died & fighting.

The “eagle standard” was the National Arms of the United States and was the National Standard carried by the Infantry & Dragoons since the Rev. War.
( General Washington’s orders). During the Mexican-American war the Infantry, Dragoons, Mounted Riflemen and Cavalry carried the National Colors (US Coat of Arms). The Artillery carried the Stars & Stripes as National Colors. After the Mex-Ameican War the Army was reorganized in the fashion of the more modern armies of Europe. Thats when the Stars & Stripes was authorized to be carried by the infantry. The Cavalry version was the Stars & Stipes Guidon. The once Coat of Arms National’s became the Regimental Colors. The Dragoons, Mounted Riflemen & Cavalry was reorganized as Cavalry and the Stars & Stripes Guidon was their National colors. I can add more detail, this is just the short of it.

This 1868 picture, can you post it here? Or provide its location? Joe didn’t have the skill to do so and couldn’t provide a location. The same on Crow Agency sketch. The West Point Museum has some drawings done by White Bird, he was on the winning side of the battle at age 15. They are very detailed on the weapons, saddles, etc., and the five guidons.

The supposition of an unofficial HQ standard is a little out there. Custer was still try to prove to Washington that he could be a leader, I don’t think he would take a chance of another desk job. He proved Washington was right with this battle.

A Stand of Colors, included a National colors and Regimental Standard, depending on the period a regiment received two Stands of Colors, one for field use and one for parade. It change a little 1887 on Cavalry, each regiment received the new colors ( silk, National & Regimental) for parade only. Company Guidons, they received two, one for parade, made of silk and one in bunting for field use. If needed, they would also receive line markers and camp colors. During the period of the battle, Civil War issued Stars & Strips Guidon were still being used.

Paxon’s painting is one of many that have taken liberties on the placement of a little extra color in their paintings by adding flags that didn’t belong.
His painting is on display at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, you can also see the correct weapons that would have been used at the battle.

The living can make the died appear to do anything.

Happy Trails!
Tom Martin