Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very good service used example of a WWII German NSDAP Reichsdienstflagge (State Service Flag), measuring a nice large 38 by 66 inches. 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 feels like it is made from wool, and the design is printed / dyed onto the flag. It features sturdy canvas header on one end, which has a halyard rope inside. This terminates in a brass loop fitting on the top, and a 38 inch section of halyard on the bottom.

The header shows some staining, and overall there is age toning to the body of the flag, particularly noticeable on the white portions. There are also small holes and tears consistent with use in service, as well as probably some moth damage from long storage.

This type of flag with a left-facing eagle was used by all state and provincial authorities between 1935 and 1945, in addition to being flown by government vessels that were not warships.

This is a great example of a German WWII state service flag, more than 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).