Reichskriegsflagge – Kr.Fl. 80 × 135 (Lorenz Summa, WWII)

Full view of flag — Full view of the 80 × 135 cm Reichskriegsflagge manufactured by Lorenz Summa.

Description

This original Reichskriegsflagge from the Nazi era measures 80 × 135 cm and is clearly marked “Kr.Fl. 80 × 135” on the white cotton hoist. It was manufactured by Lorenz Summa Söhne, Oberkotzau—one of the most prolific and trusted producers of official naval and service flags during the Third Reich. The flag is made of coarse wool bunting with a reinforced hoist and retains its original rope loop, sewn with zig-zag machine stitching typical of wartime production.

Usage and Dimensions

Marking: Kr.Fl. 80 × 135
Maker: Lorenz Summa Söhne, Oberkotzau
Material: Wool bunting, cotton hoist, rope loop
Date: ca. 1940–1944
Usage: Kriegsmarine – small vessels, signal stations, shore posts

The 80 × 135 cm size matches one of the official Kriegsmarine formats listed in both naval service charts and the 1939 edition of Flaggenbuch. Flags of this size were used on smaller vessels, signal stations, coastal facilities, and command posts. The “Kr.Fl.” designation stands for “Kriegsflagge” and was used exclusively on government-issued war flags distributed to military units.

Construction and Condition

Construction quality is high throughout. The black-white-black cross is printed directly onto the wool, with red reinforcement seams added at key stress points along the design. The Iron Cross in the canton and the central Hakenkreuz are cleanly printed with precise alignment and sharp contrast. Stitching is tight, corners are reinforced, and the fabric remains unusually soft and flexible—strong evidence that the flag was either never flown or preserved carefully in storage since the war.

The fabric has the distinct feel and slight scent of unused wool bunting—clean, soft, and pliable, with no evidence of wear or exposure.

Collectibility

Lorenz flags are well known among collectors for their consistency, durability, and recognizable hoist markings. This example, with its full military stamp, regulation size, original rope, and excellent condition, represents a textbook Kriegsmarine mid-size war flag. Flags in this size are relatively common, but fully intact examples with clear markings and original hoist details—especially by Lorenz—are increasingly hard to find in this condition.