Original German Pre-WWII Weimar Republic Brandau, Hesse Kriegerverein Kriegerbund Veteran’s Banner – 45 ½” x 44” Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic “Warrior League” Deutscher Kriegerbund banner that was more than likely used for an anniversary or “founding day” parade in 1930, two years before it was outlawed and banned by law. Deutscher Kriegerbund (German Warrior League) was a war veterans’ and reservists’ association in Germany established in April 1873 in Weißenfels.

Its origins lie in a Warrior Association established in 1786 by fusiliers of Frederick II of Prussia’s army in Wangerin/Pomerania. The original purpose of the war veterans’ associations was to provide their members and former soldiers with proper burial arrangements. Former soldiers felt the need for commemorative tombs that would preserve the dignity of their former comrades-in-arms and honor them even after their death. This type of association received a considerable boost after Prussia’s victorious battles against the Danish (1864), Austrian (1866) and French armies in 1871.

This wonderful banner measures approximately 45 ½” x 44” and depicts a lovely red velvet embroidered side and regular heavy cotton side. The red velvet side has a beautiful image of the Coat of Arms of Hesse which consists of an azure shield and a rampant lion with red and white stripes. Above the lion in gold bullion embroidery is Krieger-Verein (Warrior Club) and Brandau beneath. The opposite side features the German Angel of Peace floating above an Imperial German soldier laying beside a river. The Angel of Peace is a reminder of the 25 peaceful years after the Franco-German war of 1870/71. To the left and right of the angel in red is the motto of the Kingdom of Bavaria; In Treue Fest / Im Sturme Treu which translates to Steadfast in Loyalty / Faithful In The Storm. On the bottom left corner on this side is a hand stitched factory marking for Fahnemfabrik (Flag Factory) C. Koch Coburg in Germany.

The overall condition is excellent with minor age toning and wear. There are the expected moth nips but are very difficult to find. The banner still retains all 5 brass hanging rings as well as both clips at the top and bottom.

Comes more than ready for further research and display.