WWII Service State Flag

 

The German Reichsdienstflagge from World War 2 era

The story

Bought this German service state flag (SSF) from a friend. It measures 100x170cm and smells very old. Of my old flags collection this one smells the worst haha :D Like an oily smell to it... Its a little dirty and besides a small hole the flag is in tip top condition.

The service state flag or Reichsdienstflagge in German (Reichsdienst = imperial service, flagge=flag) was used from 31st of October 1935 until 8th of May 1945 on Nazi state and administration buildings throughout Germany. In difference to ordinary Nazi party flags this flag has the swastika angle in 90 degrees instead of 45 degrees. It is also the only flag that has the eagle sitting on top of the wreath of oak leaves and the black swastika inside.

The maker is "Schneider Nossen", which was a flag manufacturer in the German city of Nossen. The company doesn't exits anymore and the buildings are converted to residential apartments.

Images of the flag

Picture from horizontal. The flag is pretty wrinkled due to many years of storage.

Over a chair :D



A close up of the eagle and wreath, look how detailed it is. On fake flags this is normally what gives them away. Especially the three markings/stripes right under the eagles eye. On reproductions these is typically missing, so beware!



"R.D.FL." and flag size 100x170 and maker Schneider Nossen.

Rope and the classic cross stitchings on genuine flags.


Stitching at the end of the flag

The flag has very small minor holes but this is the biggest and notable hole of them all

Final thoughts

So that one of my SSF. Do you know the maker please let me know in the comments or drop me an email. Thank you :)

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