German Empire Flag (ca. late 1930s)

Flag ID: FG-031

Material and Construction

Three-panel horizontal construction in cotton fabric. Clearly machine-stitched with reinforcement in upper hoist corner. The hoist edge is made of natural canvas cotton with a running tunnel, through which a loosely added rope is threaded – not original. No metal fittings present.

Dimensions and Form

The flag measures 111×172 cm, giving a ratio of approximately 2:3. Symmetric layout with no visible alterations. Minor stains and edge wear are present but overall fabric is intact.

Dating and Origin

Based on materials, stitching method, and construction style, this flag is likely of German origin, produced in the late 1930s to early 1940s. The design replicates the German Empire's tricolour but was common in civil propaganda contexts under the Nazi regime. Industrial finish and mass-production traits rule out imperial-era manufacture.

German Imperial Symbolism in NS Context

The black-white-red tricolour was the national flag of the German Empire (1871–1918). Revived briefly by the Nazis (1933–1935) as a symbolic rejection of the Weimar Republic, it was commonly reused for non-official or decorative purposes thereafter. This particular flag is too small and lacks specification for military or official use – it was most likely used for civil display, e.g., parade ornamentation, balcony hanging, or window dressing.

Additional Images

Sources and References

• Comparative analysis with confirmed 1930s civil flags
• FlagGeek dataset and stitching typology references

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July 28th, 2025