Large German Tricolour (Wool, c. early 1930's)

FG-030 – Large German Tricolour (Wool, c. early 1930's)
FG-030 full view
FG-030: Full view of large wool German tricolour flag, approx. early 1930's.

Flag ID: FG-030

Material and Construction

This flag is made from a coarse wool fabric in the standard black-white-red tricolour pattern. The three horizontal panels are stitched together using straight machine seams. Stitching varies slightly in tension, suggesting workshop or semi-industrial production, not mass manufacturing.

  • Main Fabric: Coarse wool, matte texture
  • Hoist: Separate strip of thick cotton-linen material; reinforced with rectangular patches in both corners
  • Mounting: Original rope removed, but sewing holes indicate tunnel hoist
  • Stitching: Machine-stitched, straight seams, uneven tension
  • Finish: No overlock; raw edges folded and sewn
  • Markings: No labels, stamps, or factory codes
  • Repairs: Visible patching in canton and lower edge, consistent with long-term use

These traits indicate a high-quality workshop production from the 1930s, intended for prolonged or outdoor display. Presence of repairs and reinforced hoist corners implies repeated mounting and use.

Use Context and Purpose

The flag’s size (originally likely 150 × 250 cm) and robust construction suggest use on embassy facades, consular buildings, or formal civic installations. Its format and absence of military markings make front-line or regimental use unlikely. Rather, this would be the kind flown from buildings abroad to signal German presence – diplomatic, administrative, or ideological.

Wool construction, corner reinforcements, and the former rope tunnel align with semi-permanent outdoor display – typically mounted horizontally from balconies, stone posts, or flat rooftops.

Dating and Historical Context

Based on construction traits, textile type, and sewing method, this flag is most likely from the period 1935. The use of coarse wool and non-standardized proportions aligns with flags made in limited wartime runs. The absence of standardised reinforcement tape, print markings, or size coding further supports this dating.

Flags of this type were not industrial-issue but instead locally produced or contracted for German use abroad – especially in areas without full military logistics.

Dimensions and Condition

Current measurements are 142 × 242 cm, yielding a ratio of 0.586. The original dimensions were almost certainly closer to 150 × 250 cm – a known common size for flags made for institutional display.

The shrinkage and mild fraying suggest the flag underwent moderate outdoor use, possibly in warm or dry conditions. The wool has aged consistently. Stitching remains intact, though rope removal and minor edge stress are visible.

Historical Context: German Use Abroad, 1930s–40s

During the Third Reich era, Germany maintained a wide network of embassies, consulates, trade missions, and propaganda offices – especially in neutral or Axis-aligned countries. Flags like this were flown from balconies, stone railings, and walls to denote state presence or allegiance.

Because they were not always made to military spec, such flags varied in materials, size, and stitching. Surviving examples are rare due to post-war destruction and the targeted removal of Nazi-era symbols abroad. Many that do survive were recovered from buildings after surrender or flight.

Estimated Dating and Production Context

All technical indicators – wool weave, irregular machine stitching, hand-applied hoist with rope tunnel, rectangular corner reinforcements – suggest low-volume production ca. 1935–45.

This would have been a German flag made not for internal use in the Reich, but rather for deployment abroad in semi-permanent settings. The craftsmanship is consistent with institutional flags produced under rationed material access during the late 1930s or early WWII.

Additional Images

Stitching and panel joins
Detail of stitching and panel joins – note uneven tension and visible reverse threads.
Hoist stitching and repair seam
Period repair.
Hoist reinforcement patch
Rectangular reinforcement patch at lower hoist – typical for institutional flags.
Edge stitching and wear
Edge stitching and wear pattern – consistent with extended outdoor mounting.
Corner construction and reinforcement
Fabric weaving, coase wool.

Sources and References

  • Private inspection and documentation of FG-030
  • Photographic comparison with German overseas flag examples (1935–45)
  • Textile analysis and flag construction references (Bundesarchiv, DMB)
  • Rungee and affiliated private archives of Third Reich civilian-use flags

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