Exceptionally Rare 48 Star Flown US Flag Flown on the USS CV-6 Enterprise During the Shakedown Cruise in 1938. "The Big E" CV-6 Enterprise was a Yorktown class-carrier and the most decorated warship of World War II. Notable battles include Pearl Harbor, Battle of the Eastern Solomons, Battle of Santa Cruz Islands, Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, Battle of Midway, Battle of Leyte Gulf, and Battle of the Philippine Sea.
Of the more than twenty major actions of the Pacific War, Enterprise engaged in all but two with a staggering record of engagements. The Japanese, on three different occasions declared the Enterprise was sunk; hence another nickname, "The Grey Ghost"
Enterprise (CV-6) was laid down in 1934 and launched in 1936; and commissioned May 12, 1938 which those first maneuvers, a shakedown cruise, test voyage undergone by a newly built or recently repaired ship, aircraft, or spacecraft. Its primary purpose is to test all mechanical systems, equipment, and crew performance under real working conditions before the vessel officially enters regular service. May 12, 1938 is exactly the date this flag was flown.
The correspondence regarding the various owners of the flag over the decades and their correspondence to one another truly confirms the authenticity and is part of the provenance package. What is critical to note is the Enterprise CV-6 Association published an article to members regarding the flags of the storied carrier. It was thought the battle flag at Santa Cruz presented to Landing Signal Officer Lt Robin Lindsey for exemplary service was the only flag in existence. But the article notes a second surfaced in the Summer of 1999. Raised on the "Big E" on her Commissioning Day the flag was presented to Chief Signalman Chester B. Clark. After his death his widow sold it to collector who in turn sold it to Atlantic Financial Corp. The flag ultimately landed in the hands of the consignor who has entrusted Goldberg Auctions to find this flag another worthy steward of this historic flag. Flag measures 12 x 16 feet. Note: At the National Reunion in October 1999 this flag
As for the Enterprise, a solid effort was made to raise funds to turn into a floating museum. But the costs were prohibitive and it was scrapped in 1960.
Estimated Value $8,000 - 10,000
Military
