Original Item. Only One Available. This is an original Imperial German Reichskriegsflagge, or war ensign, dating to the First World War period. Measuring approximately 22 x 33 ½ inches, it is a comparatively small example constructed from wool bunting with a reinforced canvas hoist. The flag retains the complete Imperial German war-ensign design with its bold black cross, central Prussian eagle, and black-white-red canton with Iron Cross.

The design consists of a white field dominated by a large black cross offset toward the hoist and outlined in white and black. At the intersection of the cross is a white circular medallion containing the Prussian eagle. The upper hoist canton carries the Imperial German black-white-red colors together with a black Iron Cross. This corresponds to the final Imperial German war-ensign pattern introduced in 1903 and used throughout the First World War. Royal Museums Greenwich preserves period examples of this same pattern dating from 1903 through the end of the Imperial period.

The flag is made from wool, with a narrow reinforced canvas hoist along one edge. The flag is in fair shape overall with some moderate moth holes across the flag, and there is minor staining in spots as well. The flag itself is entirely wool with a canvas header, correct for this period. The colors are well-retained, and this example would look great framed.

The hoist on this example has a very narrow opening or clearance for attachment to a pole, staff, or line. Its exact intended application cannot be established from the construction alone, but the small dimensions suggest use as a small-format war ensign or boat-sized flag rather than one of the much larger shipboard ensigns intended for major naval vessels.

The wool field remains substantial overall, and the reinforced canvas hoist survives. The corner reinforcements give it a good chance of being a naval flag. The combination of its relatively small size, original wool construction, surviving hoist, and recognizable 1903-pattern design makes this a particularly attractive Imperial German flag from the First World War period.