Original Item: Only One Available. This is something that we have only seen a very few of before! This is a very nice German WWII Kriegsmarine Navy Harbor Pilot Signal flag, faintly marked Sig. Fl. Delta nat. 150×180 on the header. This indicates a size of 150cm (59.1in.) by 0.6m (70.9in.), though it has shrunk just a bit. The abbreviation before the size most likely stands for Signal Flagge Delta national, which is a designation we usually only see on the larger pilot flags. We think we can see a very faint EAGLE / M Kriegsmarine acceptance marking to the left of the flag type designation, and the other side of the flag is marked with Fahnenträger (Standard Bearer).

When flown on a ship or boat, this flag signaled that the ship had a qualified harbor pilot aboard. These were required when going in and out of the congested and dangerous waterways inside major deep water ports. With the flag other vessels, particularly the water police, would be aware that the vessel was underway under qualified direction. The design of the flag is basically the standard NSDAP National Flag in the center with a wide white border. This example is dyed into the fabric of the flag, which looks to be the standard wool bunting. It has a canvas header still present, however the halyard is no longer present, probably having been removed long ago.

The flag shows that it definitely saw service in the field, and now has numerous holes and tears from deterioration of the fabric, and possibly mothing.. We usually see these rare flags in nearly unissued condition, so finding one that really saw use at a German controlled harbor is a real treat!

Ready to add to your WWII maritime collection!