Item:
ONSV8641

Original Imperial German Franco-Prussian War Kingdom of Saxony Veterans Association Flag Dated 1890-1897

Item Description

Original Item: Only one available. This flag came from a large collection in the Pacific Coast of the United States and is a spectacular item! It measures a very displayable 56-inches wide by 47-inches tall, with a bullion fringe going around three of four sides. It is double sided, and is of what looks to be cotton construction, with lots of embroidery, including lots using bullion thread. There are even bullion fringes embroidered onto the flags in the design! And immense amount of time must have gone into this lovely flag.

We have had several of these flags before, and all were from the late 19th century, made in celebration of what was at that time the largest and most successful military action for the Kindgom of Prussia, which lead to the formation of the German Empire: The Franco - Prussian War. Also called the "War of 1870", this conflict lasted from 19 July 1870 to 28 January 1871, and involved the North German Confederation and the 2nd French Empire.

There is some debate as to the exact cause, but in general it is felt that France wanted to regain their pre-eminent position in Continental Europe, which was put into question after Prussia's crushing defeat of Austria in 1866. At possible prodding from Prussian Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, France declared war, and the North German Federation responded in kind, most likely hoping to draw the rest of the un-affiliated German States into an Alliance, with Prussia at the forefront. After the war ended, this came into being, with the 1871 creation of the German Empire.

The North German Confederation had many constituent states, with two that qualified as Königreichen (Kindgoms), Preussen (Prussia) and Sachsen (Saxony). This flag appears to be from Saxony, though the reverse is definitely Prussian. It could be a flag to remember the two pre-eminent powers before the formation of the empire. Definitely worthy of further research!

The front, or Saxon side of the flag has a Green and White background, the State Colors of Saxony. The center of course has the Coat of Arms of the Kingdom of Saxony under a crown, which itself is surrounded by an embroidered Banner. Around this is an Oak leaf wreath, which is surrounded by the phrases: Mit Gott für Fürst u. Vaterland (With God for Prince and Fatherland) and Für Kaiser und Reich (For Emperor and Country).

There are also flowers and CROWN / A in each corner, for King Albert of Saxony, who reigned 1873 - 1902, which pretty firmly puts this flag right around the turn of the century. Next to each of these four is a banner with a different German word (clockwise from upper Left): Einig (United), Mutig (Brave), Treu (Faithful), and Kräftig (Strong). These are common attributes desired for good soldiers, and are very common on these Veteran's flags.

The rear of the flag has the Imperial Black White and Red colors as a background, with a lovely bullion embroidered border around the edge. In the center is the Coat of Arms of the Kingdom of Prussia, and eagle with a Black/White Shield on its breast, surrounded by a Laurel wreath. The years 1893 and 1897 are embroidered on either side, and around this are the embroidered German words Landwehr-Verein (Landwehr Association) and Wiegleben, which is an area in Germany. We are not quite sure about the location, as the ornate Blackletter Script is hard to decipher. 

There is of course some damage from age and wear, and it looks like the flag was at some point cut off of its mountings, probably when it as brought back after WWI or WWII by a soldier.

A truly amazing flag, already over 100 years old. A magnificent display piece that would brighten up any wall, regardless of which side you display! This flag could certainly benefit from being mounted in a double-sided frame mounting. The flag is currently mounted with tacks to a 56" long wooden stave, which was used to hang it, but it could easily be removed.

Ready to display!

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