Original Item. Only One Available. This is a German WWII-era style NSDAP hanging banner featuring a large black canted swas. emblem centered within a white circular field against a bright red background. Measuring approximately 33 ¼" x 46 ½" [84.5 x 118 cm], the banner has a rectangular upper section that tapers to a pointed lower end, finished along both diagonal edges with decorative white fringe.

The banner is constructed from two sections of lightweight woven red fabric, possibly rayon, joined along a vertical central seam. The central design incorporates a separately sewn white circular field with a black fabric swas. emblem. The upper corners are fitted with twisted black and golden-yellow suspension cords, allowing the banner to hang vertically. Its pointed outline, ornamental fringe, and suspension arrangement indicate a decorative hanging format intended for display.

The banner remains in good overall condition, retaining strong red coloration with scattered wrinkles and creasing from age and storage. The principal condition concern is the stitching along the emblem seams, with several small areas of separation and localized damage. The white circular field shows light discoloration and a few scattered marks, while the black swas. emblem remains well defined. The red fabric exhibits minor surface irregularities and scattered handling marks. The white fringe remains substantially intact, with some uneven and tangled strands, particularly toward the lower point. Both upper suspension cords are present.

Historical Context

The Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei (NSDAP), or National Socialist German Workers' Party, adopted its distinctive red flag with a white circular field and black canted swas. in 1920. The design became the principal symbol of the party during the Weimar Republic, appearing at political meetings, demonstrations, and public rallies. Its black, white, and red colors recalled those of the former German Empire, which had been replaced by the black, red, and gold national colors of the Weimar Republic.

Following AH's appointment as Reich Chancellor on January 30, 1933, the NSDAP began incorporating its symbols into Germany's official public life. A decree issued on March 12, 1933, established the temporary use of two national flags: the former Imperial black-white-red flag and the NSDAP swas. flag. On September 15, 1935, the Reichsflaggengesetz (Reich Flag Law), enacted as part of the Nuremberg Laws, formally established the swas. flag as Germany's sole national flag, giving the former party emblem official national status.

Flags and banners occupied an important place in NSDAP political ceremonies and public events. During the 1930s, they were used extensively at party rallies, official gatherings, commemorations, and organized celebrations. Large quantities of decorative flags and hanging banners were displayed on buildings, along streets, and inside assembly halls, particularly during major political occasions. These displays were intended to demonstrate the party's authority and create a unified visual setting for public ceremonies.

The NSDAP's use of flags was also closely connected to its organizational structure. The party maintained an elaborate system of standards and flags associated with its regional and local branches, including the Gaue, Kreise, Ortsgruppen, Zellen, and Blocks. Dedicated ceremonial standards, such as those carried by party formations during marches and rallies, had their own organizational purposes and prescribed designs. Decorative hanging banners served a broader display function and could be employed wherever political decoration was required.

As the Third Reich developed, the display of party and national flags became increasingly regulated, particularly for official holidays and state occasions. The regime designated specific days for public flag displays, including May 1, the National Day of Labor, and other political commemorations. Public buildings and party premises were decorated for these events, while private businesses and households also participated in the widespread display of flags. Such practices continued during WWII, although wartime circumstances increasingly affected the scale and character of public celebrations.