Original Item: Only One Available. This is an very nice service used condition example of a WWII German NSDAP Reichsdienstflagge (State Service Flag). This small size example measures 50cm (19.7") x 85cm (33.5"), and is constructed of what feels like printed wool. It 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 has a halyard sewn into the header, with loops at either end.

The header is marked on one side with R. Dflg. 50x85 cm, indicating it is a 50 x 85 cm State Service flag. The other side is marked by maker Koechlin, Baumgartner u. Cie. A.G. Lörrach.. We have seen other flags of this type and size by this maker.

Condition is good, with the colors and markings still vibrant for the most part. There is however some staining in the center, which also has several large tears as well as fraying along the edges. There is some of the flag missing, but this does not look to be from mothing, more like being caught on something.

A nice service used example in a rare small size. Ready to display!

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).