Reichskriegsflagge – Transitional Variant

Full view of the transitional Reichskriegsflagge (150 × 250 cm).

Description and Technical Details

This original wartime German naval flag measures 150 × 250 cm and is made of heavy wool. It features the national design introduced in 1935, with a black swastika inside a central white disc and an Iron Cross in the upper corner. The hoist is reinforced with zigzag stitching and equipped with an original rope loop.

The most notable feature is the marking: “Kf.Fl. 150 × 250”, followed by the manufacturer “Witte K.G., München”. This combination of a National Socialist design with a pre-Nazi marking classifies it as a transitional or error variant.

Markings

• Size: 150 × 250 cm (3:5)
• Marking: “Kf.Fl.” – an abbreviation for Kriegsflagge Flotte (War Flag for Fleet Use), common in the Imperial and early Weimar periods
• Manufacturer: Witte K.G., München

Marking on hoist: “Kf.Fl. 150 × 250”. Indicates early Kriegsmarine issue.

Producer stamp from Witte K.G., München – common on early NS-era flags.

Reinforced stitching and rope loop on hoist end. Authentic marine construction.

Historical Context

After the Nazi regime came to power in 1933, the existing naval and military flag systems were gradually replaced. In 1935, a new Reich war flag (Reichskriegsflagge) was introduced, featuring:

• A central black cross with white outlines
• A white disc with a black swastika
• An Iron Cross in the upper canton

During the transition between regimes (1935–1937), flags like this emerged where older markings were applied to new designs—particularly among smaller regional suppliers who had not yet adopted updated standards.

Why Did “Error Flags” Occur?

• Leftover inventory: Many producers reused old pre-marked hoist tapes and stamps such as “Kf.Fl.” even after 1935.
• Lack of standardization: Clear marking regulations were not yet universally enforced among textile suppliers.
• Human error: Components from earlier production were mistakenly combined with new designs.
• Symbolic overlap: Visual habits from Imperial and Weimar flags continued to influence production practices.
• (Unconfirmed) Cost-saving compromise: According to collectors, some manufacturers tried to modify existing 1st pattern printing plates rather than producing new ones, leading to hybrid or incorrect outputs. While unverified, this theory aligns with the anomalies found in such transitional flags.

Circle Geometry Around the Swastika

Another key identifier is the ring system surrounding the central disc. These changed over time:

• 1st pattern (1935–1937): Four unbroken rings (white–black–white–black)
• Transitional variant (ca. 1936–1937): Three unbroken rings, with the outermost white interrupted by the central cross
• 2nd pattern (1938–1945): Two unbroken rings, with both the outer white and next black ring interrupted

These differences are critical for identifying production phase and authenticity.

Comparison overlay showing deviation from 1938–1945 circle geometry (error pattern).

Design Evolution Overview

Version	Period	Characteristics
1st pattern	1935–1937	Thin Iron Cross, complete ring set, simple swastika layout
Transitional	ca. 1936–1937	Mixed features, outdated “Kf.Fl.” marking, partial ring set
2nd pattern	1938–1945	Bold design, interrupted outer rings, prominent Iron Cross with white contour

Evaluation

This flag represents a rare and well-documented transitional example, combining correct visual design with historically incorrect marking. Such hybrid specimens provide insight into the practical realities of production during periods of political and symbolic change.

Sources and References

• Flaggenbuch (1939), OKM – Reichskriegsflagge section
• Witte K.G. manufacturing records and stamp analysis
• Comparison photographs of 1st, transitional, and 2nd patterns
• FlagGeek project archive and collector reports on “Kf.Fl.” markings