Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive original German WWII flag pole finial, or Fahnenspitze, for the Nationalsozialistischer Reichskriegerbund (NSRKB), the National Socialist Reich Veterans Association. Measuring an impressive 12 1/2 inches in overall height, this is a substantial organizational display piece featuring the NSRKB insignia, oak leaves, Iron Cross imagery, and a large central hook cross. It retains its original detachable socket and presents extremely well for display.

Flag pole finials of this type were mounted at the top of organizational flag poles and served as an additional visual indication of the organization represented by the flag. The NSRKB developed from Germany's established veterans associations and, following the consolidation of veterans organizations during the Third Reich period, became the principal national organization representing German war veterans.

The finial has an elaborate openwork design centered around a large hook cross. At the center of the device on both sides is a representation of the 1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class, with the CROWN / W/ 1914 on one side, and CROWN / FW / 1813 on the other. The central design is surrounded by an ornamental frame supported by another section incorporating oak leaves and acorns, traditional German military and veterans symbols.

At the top is a smaller framed NSRKB shield insignia. This features a large Iron Cross with a hook cross at its center against a red field, giving the finial the distinctive organizational emblem associated with the NSRKB.

The main finial is constructed from aluminum, which was then brass plated and given a gilt finish, with painted details applied to the insignia. It measures 12 1/2 inches in overall height, including the 2 3/4 inch long socket at the bottom, and measures 4 inches across at its widest point.

An especially desirable feature is the surviving detachable socket, which has three holes on the sides for attachment to the flag pole. The brass socket at the bottom still unthreads from the short steel rod projecting from the base of the finial. This allowed the socket to be removed from the finial, helping protect the assembly when it was not mounted for use. The threaded connection remains functional and the socket screws on snugly.

Overall condition is very good. There is no visible deformation to the finial, and the painted portions of the organizational insignia remain well retained. The gilt and brass finish show oxidation from age and exposure, giving the surface an attractive period appearance. There is also wear around portions of the corners and raised areas where the finish has worn through to expose the aluminum base material beneath. These areas are readily visible but do not detract significantly from the strong overall presentation.

For the collector of German WWII veterans organization material, flags, standards, or ceremonial equipment, this is a particularly impressive NSRKB display piece. Its substantial 12 1/2 inch height, elaborate oak leaf and Iron Cross decoration, painted organizational shield, surviving gilt and brass finish, and original detachable 2 3/4 inch socket give it excellent visual presence. Complete finials with their removable mounting sockets make especially effective additions to an NSRKB, German veterans association, or period flag and standard collection.

The Kyffhäuserbund (English: Kyffhäuser League) is an umbrella organization for war veterans' and reservists' associations in Germany, founded in 1900 to unify the various veteran's groups in Germany. It owes its name to the Kyffhäuser Monument (German: Kyffhäuserdenkmal), a memorial built on the summit of the 473 m high Kyffhäuser mountain near Bad Frankenhausen, in the state of Thuringia in central Germany. It was not a political affiliated organization, and was open to all German war veterans.

When the National Socialist party came into party however, as with all national organizations, the group was absorbed under the NSDAP umbrella. In the name of Gleichschaltung (Co-Ordination or NSDAPfication), the Kyffhäuserbund was after the NSDAP takeover of power in 1933. Five years later, its name was altered to NS-Reichskriegerbund ‘Kyffhäuser’ e.V. (National Socialist Reich Warriors Association ‘Kyffhäuser‘), becoming the sole and exclusive organization representing the Veterans´ interests in the Third Reich. The organization would then be disbanded in March of 1943 and its members would be drafted into Volksturm service in 1945, as the fall of WWII Germany approached.