Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #4090
  • Lot #439
Lot #438
Lot #440

Lot 439: WWII United States Navy Ensign from Destroyer Escort U.SS. Otter

Rare and Historic United States Navy Ensign from World War II Destroyer Escort U.S.S. Otter

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: December 8, 2023

Lot 439: WWII United States Navy Ensign from Destroyer Escort U.SS. Otter

Rare and Historic United States Navy Ensign from World War II Destroyer Escort U.S.S. Otter

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: December 8, 2023

Estimated Price: $3,500 - $5,500
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Rare and Historic United States Navy Ensign from World War II Destroyer Escort U.S.S. Otter

Manufacturer: None
Model: None
Type: Other
Gauge:
Barrel:
Finish:
Grip:
Stock:
Item Views: 1113
Item Interest: Active
Catalog Page: 328
Class: Other
Description:

Offered here is the flag flown from the mast of U.S.S. Otter (DE-210) during its service in the United States Navy during World War II. This forty-eight star flag embodies the American Spirit, it shows years of service with its stains, frayed ends, and a torn hoist edge grommet, but survived its hardships and made it home. The U.S.S. Otter served in the North Atlantic hunting German U-boats after a brief stint protecting ships in the Mediterranean going to and from Casablanca. During its service the Otter would play a crucial role in the sinking of U-248, and the capture of U-805. The Otter sent a boarding party on to U-805 where it became the possession of the ship. The boarding party then cut down the black surrender flag and hoisted an American flag, possibly this very flag, for its journey in tow back to the United States. During an attack on German U-boat U-546, U.S.S. Otter played a crucial role rescuing the survivors and retrieving the bodies of those killed when the U.S.S Frederick C. Davis (DE-136) was sunk. The reinforced hoist edge of the flag is marked "U.S. ENSIGN NO 11". Included with the flag is a binder containing a wealth of period photographs of U.S.S. Otter and its crew as well as the burial at sea of those killed in on the U.S.S. Fredrick C. Davis. Several of the photos have a United States flag, possibly this very flag, flown from the ship. Provenance: The Saloga Collection

Rating Definition:

Very good as flown from the U.S.S. Otter. The fly end of the flag is frayed, with the white stripes and hoist edge stained from exhaust in the North Atlantic. The red and navy remain vibrant with a small repair in the navy field of stars. This magnificent symbol of the American war effort would make a statement piece in any World War II or United States military collection!



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #1361: World War II German Helmet

    Lot #1344: Two World War II German Helmets

    Lot #1351: World War II German Luftwaffe Helmet

    Lot #1343: World War II German Paratrooper Helmet

    Lot #988: World War I German Aviation Photo Album and a Pair of Goggles

    Lot #1347: Three U.S. M1 Helmets