Original Item: Only One Available. This is a totally original Imperial German WWI Naval War Ensign Battle Flag, with a large Balkenkreuz (Beam Cross) in the field, with a circle around the Imperial German Eagle at the intersection of the cross. The canton of the flag contains the imperial state colors and the Prussian Eisernes Kreuz (Iron Cross). The flag is made of cotton or linen, the standard material for flags of the period. This flag is extremely service-worn, with tearing and holes in spots across its enormous length.

This flag saw service during WWI, and was then captured by American soldiers during World War II, with some having signed their names. It is inscribed on one side, Germany, April 18, 1945. Due to the heavy wear of the flag, some of the names can’t be made out. We were able to make out most of one inscription which names the flag to a John from Massachusetts serving in the Service Company, 101st Infantry, 26th Infantry Division.

Some of the names we could make out include

Thomas J. Horton, Millis.
“Bozo” Reillu, Dor, Mass.
Dick Harris
Joe Haz

There are a few more, but due to the enormous amount of wear, we can’t make it out. There is heavy tearing along the header, so this flag would do best in a large frame to stop it from deteriorating any further. There are some scattered paint stains as well. The flag is roughly 58 x 97”, but this may not be exact due to the tearing. The flag originally had rings to hold it from the header, but most are gone.

A tremendous flag that saw two wars and was captured by the 26th ID! Ready to be framed and displayed.