Original German WWII NSDAP State Service Banner Flag Purportedly Captured by 80th Div. USGI in Erfurt, 1945 - 16ft. x 9.7ft. - Reichsdienstflagge

Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very interesting example of a WWII German NSDAP Reichsdienstflagge (State Service Flag), measuring a very large 12ft. by 6ft., almost certainly meant for display on the exterior of a building. The design has an embellished Swas (swas) in the center of the field, with the German Reichsadler (National Eagle) in the upper left corner or canton. It feels like it is made from multiple pieces of cotton, or a cotton wool blend, and the design is printed / dyed onto the flag. It features a sturdy white canvas header on one end, which has 4 sturdy zinc plated steel hooks attached to it, which would be used to attach it to the exterior of the building.

Per the story that was passed along with the flag when we purchased it, this flag was captured by a USGI in the 80th Infantry Division during the capture of Erfurt by U.S. Forces on April 12, 1945. It was out side of a building, and captured along with an SS flag, which unfortunately was no longer with the flag. We unfortunately do not have any information further than this regarding the capture of the flag.

Condition of the flag is very good, showing wear commensurate with moderate service, and probably some additional stains and other damage acquired during its trip to the United States. There are some holes and tears, particularly at the corners, so it was definitely on display for a significant amount of time.

This is a lovely example of a German WWII state service flag, more than ready to display, if you have the room!

More on the State Service Flag:
With a deep understanding of pageantry and symbolism, and its propaganda and psychological effectiveness, the NSDAP went to great lengths to reinforce their political party to the general populace of Germany, with repetitive slogans and the omnipresent use of the swas. Swass adorned flags, banners and pennants and were utilized at every possible opportunity. Originally the State Service Flag was introduced in the Weimar era in 1921 and consisted of three horizontal bars in black, white and red with smaller horizontal bars of black, red and yellow inset in the canton with a black national eagle positioned slightly off-center.

On March 13TH 1933 the first Third Reich era State Service Flag was introduced and was designated, Dienstflagge der Reichsbehörden zur See (Service Flag of the National Authorities at Sea), but the original designation was altered to Reichsdienstflagge, (State Service Flag) on June 6TH 1933. The 1933 pattern flag followed the basic design of its predecessor with three horizontal bars in black, white and red with a black national eagle positioned in the center.

On October 31ST 1935 a second pattern State Service Flag was introduced and was first flown on November 7TH 1935. Regulations dictated that the State Service Flag was to be utilized by all public administrative government authorities and was to be flown on their buildings, on inland waterways and the high seas vessels and service vehicles as required. The regulations also extended use of the State Service Flag to the authorities of the Reichsbahn, (National Railways), the Reich autobahn, (National Highways), and the Reichsbank, (National Bank).