German Imperial Gaffelflagge

Full view of the Reichskriegsflagge, marked “Gaffel Flg. 1,2/2 m”, likely used on a gaff or auxiliary mast. Approximate dimensions: 120 × 200 cm.

Historical Background

This variant of the German war ensign (Reichskriegsflagge) was introduced in 1903 under Kaiser Wilhelm II. Its design symbolized both imperial power and military might: the black-white-red tricolor of the empire, the Iron Cross of the military, and the crowned imperial eagle with orb and sword. The eagle’s crown is rendered as the Preußische Königskrone (Prussian Royal Crown), denoting the Emperor’s dual role as King of Prussia. The flag remained in use until the collapse of the German Empire in 1918.

Naval Usage

The marking “Gaffel Flg.” indicates that this flag was designed to be flown from the gaff — a horizontal spar or auxiliary mast arm commonly found on various naval vessels. In the Imperial German Navy, gaff-mounted flags of this size were typically used aboard:

• Torpedoboote (torpedo boats)
• Flottillenführer (flotilla leaders)
• Hilfsschiffe (auxiliary and supply ships)
• Stationäre Küstenfahrzeuge (harbor and station craft)
• Segelschulschiffe (sailing training ships)

These flags were not meant for stern hoist or jack staff use, but were reserved for signal or honorific display under the gaff — often during port calls, exercises, or formal occasions. For example, the torpedo boat SMS G132 (1906) was photographed flying a similar gaff-mounted Reichskriegsflagge during fleet maneuvers, highlighting its use on small warships where full-deck ensigns were impractical.

Construction and Markings

The flag is constructed from medium-weight wool bunting typical of early 20th-century military textiles. It was machine-sewn, with coarse fibers and clear signs of wear. Printing was completed in several passes for each color area.

Close-up of the central imperial eagle. The crowned head features the Prussian Royal Crown (Königskrone) with red velvet cap, gold frame, and Christian cross. This crown symbolized Kaiser Wilhelm II’s authority as both Emperor and King of Prussia. The eagle also carries the orb and sword, reflecting state and military sovereignty.

Stamped hoist edge: “Gaffel Flg. 1,2/2 m” in Gothic lettering, confirming naval format and dimensions.

Hoist seam reinforced with folded edge and two-line stitching. The textile is coarse wool, machine-sewn, with signs of use.

Reverse corner of the flag with original stitching intact. No corner patches or reinforcements have been added post-production.

Printed imperial crown near the hoist corner. This stylized mark, often found on Reichskriegsflaggen, likely served as a production or depot symbol. It resembles the Kaiserkrone used on official seals, reinforcing the flag's status as military property under the authority of the imperial navy.

Sources and References

• Original flag in private collection, photographed June 2025
• Deutsche Kriegsflaggen 1848–1945, Arndt-Verlag
• Marineverordnung von 1903 (Imperial Naval Regulation)
• Wikipedia (DE): “Reichskriegsflagge” & “Flaggenvorschriften der Kaiserlichen Marine”
• Bundesarchiv photo collection: SMS G132 with gaff-mounted flag, 1909