Original Item: Only One Available. This is an very good condition example of a WWII German NSDAP Reichsdienstflagge (State Service Flag). This small size example measures 50cm (19.7") x 80cm (31.5"), and is constructed of printed wool. It has an embellished Swas (swas) 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 loops at either end.

The header is marked with the Reichsadler / M proof, indicating that it was issued to the German Kriegsmarine Navy. The flag may have been used for small launches when being used for negotiations and diplomacy. Next to this it is marked R-Dflg. 50 x 80, indicating it is a 50 x 80 cm State Service flag. There is a W F / T in a Triangle maker mark next to this.

Condition is very good, though there is definitely wear and some holes and tears, which could be due to moth damage. The flag also has stretched a bit, so it is closer to 45cm x 85cm, probably due to use in service.

A great Kriegsmarine-marked example in a nice small size. 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).