German Imperial Bootsflagge

Full view of the Imperial German naval ensign, designated “Bootsflg. 0,95 × 1,57”. The flag shows heavy wear consistent with maritime use.

Technical Overview

Dimensions and Proportions:
The flag is clearly marked “Bootsflg. 0,95 × 1,57”, indicating a height of 95 cm and a length of 157 cm. This corresponds to a ratio of approximately 1:1.65, which was standard for small boat flags issued by the Kaiserliche Marine between 1903 and 1918.

This size is documented in official naval depot listings and was typically assigned to submarines, torpedo boats, and auxiliary craft. Flags of this class were standardized in terms of ratio and stenciled size marking.

Fabric and Construction:
The flag is made of coarse wool bunting, with a clearly visible diagonal weave pattern. The hoist edge features an original braided hemp rope, stitched into the seam, with a hand-formed loop—standard for Imperial naval ensigns. Stitching and fray marks suggest active use.

Detail of the original hoist rope, looped and sewn into the wool hoist edge. Stitching and construction match Kaiserliche Marine standards.

Printed size marking: “Bootsflg. 0,95 × 1,57”, confirming issue for small craft within the Imperial Navy.

Close-up of the Imperial Crown stamp, signifying official state acceptance for naval use within the German Empire.

Detail of the Imperial eagle, holding sword and orb, wearing the Reichskrone – printed in high contrast ink typical of WWI naval flags.

Wear and fraying at the lower-left edge, showing use and age consistent with pre-1918 wool military flags.

Printing and Markings:
The design is printed (likely block- or screen-printed), showing consistent ink saturation. The Iron Cross and Imperial eagle are faithfully rendered. The eagle holds a sword and orb, wearing the Imperial Crown (Reichskrone). A stenciled marking “Bootsflg. 0,95 × 1,57” is printed on the hoist. Opposite the hoist, a faint but recognizable Imperial Crown stamp confirms the flag was state-accepted for naval use.

Historical Context:
The Reichskriegsflagge was the official war ensign of the German Empire. Bootsflaggen were scaled for small craft and carried under strict inventory control. Their markings and crown stamps distinguished them as official state equipment.

Authentication Summary:

• Material: Authentic WWI-era wool bunting
• Dimensions: 95 × 157 cm
• Proportions: Approx. 1:1.65, standard boat flag ratio
• Marking: Clear “Bootsflg. 0,95 × 1,57” stencil
• Stamp: Verified Imperial Crown inspection mark
• Condition: Moderate wear; consistent with age
• Estimated date: ca. 1903–1918

Sources and References

• Imperial German Navy regulations (1903–1918), size charts and depot lists
• Visual comparison with period Reichskriegsflaggen in NARA and Bundesarchiv collections
• Private archive, FlagGeek Research Collection
• Naval manufacturing standards documented in: Die Flaggenvorschriften der Kaiserlichen Marine, Berlin 1904