Original Item: Only One Available. This is an very good service used condition example of a WWII German NSDAP Reichsdienstflagge (State Service Flag). This large size example originally measured 200cm (78.7") x 335cm (131.9"), but has shrunk a bit and now measures about 72" x 124" (about 6ft by 10ft). The flag is constructed of what feels like a printed cotton and wool blend. It has an embellished Swas (hook cross) in the center of the field, with the German Reichsadler (National Eagle) in the upper left corner or canton. It has a thick halyard sewn into the header, with a loop at the top and 15 inch section at the bottom, which was cut off or torn long ago.

The header is marked with the Reichsadler / M proof, indicating that it was issued to the German Kriegsmarine Navy, most likely when it was under state service for negotiations and diplomacy. Next to this it is marked Reichsdienstfl. Gr. 8, indicating that it is a State Service flag in size "8". As per the Kriegsmarine Flaggenbuch (Navy Flag Book), this was a 200x335cm size, for ships 1500 to 10K tons in displacement, such as Destroyer (3000) and Cruisers (8000). This was a flag that would have been used on a sizeable ship, and it definitely looks to have seen real service. There is a faded maker mark in the center, but we are not able to identify it.

The flag is in very good service used condition, with the colors still vibrant and well retained. It definitely shows wear from use, especially around the header and halyard areas. The edges are also a bit torn and "wind whipped", something that only comes from real service. Unfortunately we do not have any information regarding where this flag was captured or where it might have been used.

A great Kriegsmarine-marked service used example in a nice large size, perfect for a wall background. 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).