Original German Pre WWII 1933 - 1934 Hansabund Flag by Bonner Fahnenfabrik - 31" x 34"

Original Item: Only One Available. Founded in 1909 by Lawyer, Professor, and Banking expert Dr. Jacob Riesser, the Hansabund for Trade, Commerce and Industry was an economic advocacy group intended to represent the smaller manufacturing industries, the artisans’ class, the smaller agriculturists, and commercial interests in general. Named after the "Hanseatic League" that dominated European trade from the 13th to 17th centuries, it was intended to give the smaller operations a better platform with which to oppose the interests of the heavier manufacturing industries and the agrarian interests representing the rich landed proprietors. From 1909 to 1934, the organization attained a remarkable position of power and influence, and at its last annual convention over 10,000 members were in attendance.

Following the NSDAP takeover in 1933, the Hansabund was "NSDAPified" and began using this design of flag, showing a white eagle on a red shield with a swas (hook cross) on its breast. Towards the bottom of the shield are city walls, much like the designs used by the Free and Hanseatic City of Lübeck (Freie und Hansestadt Lübeck), which had red and white as its colors. This flag was only used until 1934, when disagreements over the devaluation of the Deutschmark led the NSDAP to dissolve the organization.

This is a lovely service used Hansabund flag, made of what feels like wool or a cotton wool blend with a canvas header on one of the smaller sides. It has the 1933-1934 Hansabund logo printed in red on the white field, and is of single piece construction, measuring 31" x 34". There is a small bakelite hanger ring on one the top reinforced end of the fly side, and there is actually still a small maker label on the header, which reads:

Bonner Fahnenfabrik
Bonn a. Rhein

The flag is in very good service used condition, showing age toning, speckled staining, and other signs of age and long display. There are tears, fraying, and also some moth damage to the flag, and there are also some areas that look like they have been exposed to black paint. It is definitely a bit delicate in areas, and should be handled with care. This is the first one of these flags that we have had, and they are definitely quite rare, having only been in in use from 1933 to 1934. Ready to display!