Kriegsmarine Gösch – 50 × 85 cm

Full view of the Kriegsmarine bow flag, measuring 50 × 85 cm.

Flag ID: FG-012

This standard Kriegsmarine Göschflagge (bow flag) measures 50 × 85 cm, corresponding exactly to the smallest official size listed in the Flaggenbuch (1939). The flag is made of soft, finely woven wool with a printed black swastika on a white circular field, directly printed onto the red wool background.

The hoist is reinforced with a heavy-duty canvas strip, stitched with a distinctive rib pattern typical of Dutch contract production. A strong braided rope with loop is sewn into the edge. Seven double-stitched lines at the fly end secure the lower edge. The black “G. Fl. 50 × 85” marking is clearly visible on the hoist seam, indicating naval issue.

The flag has not been flown or used. Its fabric remains soft and supple. A single hole near the swastika and minor discoloration are present, both consistent with long-term storage conditions, not outdoor exposure.

🧵 Technical Notes

• Construction: Red wool bunting with multi-panel layout
• Hoist: White canvas with zigzag and ribbed reinforcement
• Rope: Braided cotton hoist loop
• Printing: Printed swastika on white circular field
• Marking: “G. Fl. 50 × 85” in black ink
• Condition: One small hole near center; fabric soft and clean

🏭 Manufacturer

This flag was made by N.V.P.F. v. Vlissingen & Co’s Katoenfabriek, located in Helmond, Netherlands. The company originated in the 1840s as a mechanized cotton mill and later gained recognition for their advanced textile printing techniques, including early wax-resist imitation processes that would eventually define the “Wax Hollandais” tradition.

By the 20th century, Vlissingen & Co. was an established industrial producer of both printed and plain-dyed fabrics, with deep ties to colonial and military textile supply chains. During the German occupation of the Netherlands, the factory supplied various textile goods under contract, including flags for the Wehrmacht and Kriegsmarine.

Gösch flags produced by this factory are recognizable by their soft wool bunting, distinctive ribbed canvas hoist stitching, and clear construction layout. Among collectors and historians, Vlissingen & Co. is considered a highly reputable wartime producer, on par with more frequently cited names such as Lorenz Summa Söhne of Oberkotzau.

Surviving examples of their work are valued for their quality and traceable characteristics, especially in naval flags like this 50 × 85 cm Gösch.

Size marking “G.Fl.50 × 85” stamped on the hoist seam in black ink.

Close-up of the hoist with ribbed stitching and canvas reinforcement and makers mark – typical of Vlissingen & Co.

The cotton rope loop and machine stitching along the hoist edge.

Fly end with multiple double-stitched seams and slight edge wear from storage.

📚 Sources and References

• Flaggenbuch, Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine, Berlin 1939
• Documented Gösch flags in private collections
• Textile traits of Dutch wartime production
• Private FlagGeek Archive, 2025