$2,100.00
Condition: Near Mint
In stock
Product Description: This is an outstanding example of a rare First Pattern Reichsluftschutzbund (RLB) Standarte Flag, representing the district Ldr. Hessen/Rheinland-Süd – OKG. Rhein-Hunsrück. These flags were produced in extremely limited numbers and used exclusively by regional command units of the Reich Air Protection League prior to the organization’s later standardized designs. Surviving examples are exceptionally scarce, especially in this level of condition.
The flag measures approximately 48 inches square and is constructed of high-quality red wool with silver bullion fringe along three sides. At the center is the iconic white, radiating sunburst starburst design, hand-applied and surrounding a boldly rendered black swastika. The craftsmanship is striking, with fine detailing throughout the appliqué and stitching. In the upper canton is a separately sewn red panel bordered in silver bullion, bearing the regional designation in white gothic script—Ldr. Hessen/Rheinland-Süd – OKG. Rhein-Hunsrück—indicating this flag’s assignment to a specific administrative district.
While the flag retains its original fringe and shows no signs of damage, fading, or staining, the mounting loops along the hoist have been neatly cut—almost certainly done by the veteran who removed it from the flagpole as a war trophy. This small modification does not detract from its display quality and instead adds to its provenance and character.
The condition overall is near mint, with bright colors, intact fringe, and no visible mothing, holes, or tears. Flags of this type—especially first pattern variants with district-specific identification—are highly sought after and rarely come to market. This would be a significant centerpiece in any advanced collection of WWII German flags, political banners, or Luftschutz artifacts.
Historical Description: The red flag with white central disk and black swastika was introduced by Hitler in the 1920s as the flag of the National Socialist political party. In 1933, shortly after the Nazis took power, this party flag was recognized alongside the black-white-red Imperial tricolor as one of Germany’s national flags. In 1935, the use of the tricolor flag was discontinued, and between September 1935 and May 8, 1945, the Nazi party flag was the sole national flag of Germany. From its creation in the 1920s through the end of the war, this swastika flag was made and used in endless variations, from the massive banners hung at Party Day rallies to small pennants, bunting flags, and hand-held paper flags distributed along parade routes. These flags, banners and pennants flew from ships, were hung from official and private buildings, and were displayed outside business and private homes. At the end of WWII, the Allied military governments abolished the use of all Nazi symbols, including the national flag. Most Third Reich era German national flags were simply destroyed.
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