There hasn't been much published from original sources about the regulation flag the 7th had or must have had. Both Custer and Godfrey mention a standard during the 1868 - 69 campaign. Custer called it "my standard," but a regimental commander might say the same of a regulation standard.

I believe the Sturgises are an old service family and I have wondered if the family records are available. I have also wondered if, as Col of the 7th, Sturgis may have taken the regulation standard with him when he was assigned to St. Louis as Superintendant of the Mounted Recruiting Service.

The only economic law I believe in is that commies stink on ice.

I'm aware of the problems of interpreting colors in black and white photographs. Unfortunately there are no absolute rules either way. After viewing dozens of photos of cavalry officers in dress uniforms of the 1870's who's stripes come out black, bingo you come on a photo of an 7th Cav officer who died in 1876 and his stripes come out white.