Original German WWII Kriegsmarine 0.8m x 1.35m Old Imperial War Flag Navy Ensign - Kaiserliche Reichsflagge

Original Item: Only One Available. This is something we have only seen once before! This is a totally original Kriegsmarine Navy issue 0.8m x 1.35m Kaiserliche Reichsflagge (Old Imperial War Flag), with the correct EAGLE / M acceptance marking. It is also correctly marked Kaiserliche Reichskriegs-Flg. 0,8 X 1,35 on the header next to the acceptance marking. These flags were flown at the top of the mainmast once a year on the anniversary of the Legendary Battle of Jutland, the 31st of May.

The flag itself bears a design identical to the Imperial German WWI Naval War Ensign Battle Flag, which is somewhat interesting as the use of the Imperial German symbols was usually eschewed by the NSDAP leader ship. However the Navy in general was allowed to make their own rules, as with many countries. The design features a large Balkenkreuz (Beam Cross) in the field, with a circle around the Imperial German Eagle at the intersection of the cross. The canton of the flag contains the imperial state colors and the Prussian Eisernes Kreuz (Iron Cross). It is made of wool, as most Kriegsmarine flags were, and has a canvas header at the top, though there is no longer any halyard rope inside.

The flag measures 80cm X 135cm (31.50" x 53.15"), which is a size "5" in the Kriegsmarine Flaggenbuch (Navy Flag Book), for vessels up to 500 tons, including U-Boats, E-Boats, and tugs.

This flag is in very good service used condition, showing overall age toning as well as some small holes from wear and mothing. We can also see some small rips and tears in a few places, and there are stains and small holes on the header where it was thumbtacked in place for a long period of time. The design one of the most attractive issued during both world wars, and would make a very nice display piece.