Original German Early NSDAP Period 1933-1935 Service Worn Reichsmarine 100cm x 170cm Naval Battle Flag – Reichskriegsflagge Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The Reichskriegsflagge (Imperial War Flag) was the official name of the war flag and war ensign used by the German armed forces from the formation of the empire until the end of the NSDAP Period. Various different designs were used over the years as the country changed from a Monarchy, to a Republic, and then to a Fascist State.

After the end of WWI and formation of the Weimar republic, the Kaiserliche Marine (Imperial Navy) was reduced in size, and formed into the Reichsmarine, the Naval branch of the Reichswehr. In 1921 a new Reichskriegsflagge was designed, a large Black/White/Red horizontal tricolor with a cross pattée Iron Cross design in the center. The canton has a small Black/Red/Yellow Weimar Republic flag.

In 1933, A H was named Chancellor and NSDAP rule began in Germany. At this time the flag of the Reichsmarine was changed, removing the Weimar Tricolor in the canton, but leaving it otherwise unchanged. Then in 1935 the Reichsmarine was renamed the Kriegsmarine, and a new NSDAP Reichskriegsflagge was designed.

This is a nice service worn example of the 1933-1935 pattern Reichskriegsflagge, which are very hard to find. It is constructed of wool with a Black/White/Red tri-color background and large central Iron Cross. It features a canvas header with an installed lanyard that terminates in two small loops.

Condition does show a lot of wear from use, as well as from moth damage, which has left numerous holes and tears in the body of the flag, as shown in the pictures. It is definitely in delicate condition and must be handled with care.

The flag is marked on the header with the Weimar Eagle / M indicating German Reichsmarine (Navy) acceptance. The header is also stamped on the right hand side with the flag type designation:

Dt. Reichskriegsfl. 1,00×1,7 (Eagle / M)

This size flag would have been used on a smaller ship, of about 900 tons, a smaller ship just a bit bigger than a U-Boat.

A very nice service worn example of a rare German Naval flag. This is the first of these that we have ever managed to locate. Ready to display!