Item Description
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 Lotsen-Flagge (Harbor Flag), marked Lotsen-Flg. 0,5 X 0,6 on the header. This indicates a relatively small size of 0.5m (19.7in.) by 0.6m (23.6in.). When flown on a ship or boat, this flag indicated 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. It is also possible that these smaller flags were used to indicate a launch that had the harbor pilot on board, in transit to a larger ship.
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 a wool / cotton blend. It has a canvas header with a halyard inside, forming loops at both ends that have attached galvanized steel clips for attachment. The flag shows that it definitely saw service in the field, and now has numerous holes and tears from deterioration of the fabric. 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!
- This product is available for international shipping. Shipping not available to: Australia, France, or Germany
- IMA in no way endorses the ideals of the Third Reich, this item is intended for serious collectors only, and is sold for its historical significance.
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