Gösch – Buntstoff Berlin (300 × 500 cm)

Full view of the massive Kriegsmarine Gösch, measuring 300 × 500 cm. The proportions and red field are clearly visible.

Flag ID: FG-013

Function and Historical Context

The term Gösch refers to the jack flag flown at the bow of Kriegsmarine vessels when anchored or in harbor. It was not used underway but served as a symbolic identifier when ships were moored. This particular example, at a monumental 300 × 500 cm, is far larger than typical Gösch sizes (e.g., 85 × 150 or 50 × 85), and may have been used on large capital ships, at naval yards, or for parade and ceremonial display.

There is speculation that such oversized Gösch flags may also have served testing, propaganda, or instructional purposes — where visibility and symbolism were paramount. The lack of an “Eagle over M” property stamp suggests this piece may have been part of a supply chain held at a depot or staging site rather than assigned directly to a vessel.

Construction and Materials

The flag is made from standard Kriegsmarine-grade wool bunting, printed in red with a central white disc and black swastika. The print covers two vertical fabric panels joined by a center seam — a common solution when printing at widths exceeding available press capacity. The white roundel measures 220 cm in diameter, occupying nearly 75% of the hoist height, and is confirmed via scale reference photos.

The hoist is reinforced with a natural ribbed header and sturdy machine stitching. Original rope loops or eyelets are preserved, though partially obscured. The flag's size and method of construction are consistent with high-end naval production practices for Kriegsmarine display flags.

Roundel diameter confirmed as 220 cm using a 2-meter folding rule. Scale appropriate to overall flag size.

Close-up of the printed swastika and white field, with size reference. Print quality and textile grain are clearly visible.

The roundel is printed across two vertical fabric panels, joined by a central seam. This construction method was typical for oversize flags.

An 8-year-old child demonstrates the scale of the roundel – almost mattress-sized. A dramatic reference for the flag's enormity.

Hoist stamp: “Buntstoff Berlin” – a known and reliable supplier of Kriegsmarine banners and textiles.

Designation stamped on hoist: “Göschen” and “300 × 500”. This confirms official sizing and intended naval use.

“Swastika over M” stamp – a rare Kriegsmarine proof mark introduced in May 1939, denoting approved materials. Seen here stamped twice.

About the Manufacturer: Buntstoff Berlin

Buntstoff Berlin was one of several textile suppliers contracted by the Nazi regime to produce banners, flags and propaganda textiles. While less prolific than flag giants like Lorenz Summa or Fahnen-Riedel, Buntstoff specialized in high-volume red wool applications and parade-grade pieces. The company’s stamp appears on numerous surviving NSDAP wall hangings and naval flags, often with oversized roundels and robust construction techniques.

Sources and References

• Original flag in FlagGeek Collection (Acq. 2025)
• High-resolution images with direct measurements
• German naval specifications for Gösch use (1935–1944)
• Kriegsmarine stempeltypologie v. 1939–1943 (archival)
• Private correspondence on “Swastika over M” usage (unpublished)