FG-010 - Small Water Sports Nazi flag

Flag ID: FG-010

Wassersportflagge – Rig-Mounted Miniature Variant (ca. 1935–1945)

This exceptionally small German Wassersportflagge from the Nazi era measures approximately 18 × 34 cm and is made of wool. It retains its original rope hoist sewn into a reinforced heading, suggesting it was designed for rig mounting—most likely flown from the starboard spreader or below the first crosstree on a sailboat mast as a courtesy flag or sports signal. The design features the typical red field with a black anchor and swastika inside a white disc.

Full view of the flag. The proportions are close to 2:3, with slight fabric deformation from long-term storage.

Close-up of the original rope hoist, tightly sewn into a folded edge. Ideal for rig or mast mounting.

Detail of the edge stitching and wool texture. The material is coarse, with clear natural fiber structure and wartime-age patina.

Close-up of the anchor and swastika print. Ink has penetrated deeply into the wool fibers, likely applied by stencil or block printing.

Textile Analysis

The flag is made of authentic wool bunting, as confirmed by fiber structure and the distinct smell associated with aged wool. The weave is plain (tabby), with medium thread density and no synthetic coating. Stitching appears machine-sewn, possibly zigzag or tight straight stitch, typical of 1930s–40s German production. The print is absorbed into the fiber, not surface-applied like modern silkscreen ink.

Historical Context and Use

Wassersportflaggen were used by civilian nautical clubs, youth organizations, and private sport sailors under the Nazi regime. While most known flags were larger (e.g., 57 × 103 cm), this rare miniature format appears to have been produced for decorative or courtesy use, flown from the mast rigging. 🔧 Its dimensions (18 × 34 cm) closely match the official Größe 1 water sports flag format as listed in wartime naval equipment charts. The small size and reinforced rope hoist support this function, aligning with known maritime etiquette and flag placement practices of the period.

Comparative Evidence

A nearly identical miniature Wassersportflagge (ca. 7 × 11 inches) is documented and sold via IMA-USA, featuring the same design, wool material, and period features, though mounted on a fixed staff. Other collector examples show similar anchor motifs and construction. Additionally, an internal comparison with another wool miniature flag (approx. 7 × 13¼ inches) further confirms the production and circulation of this rare size during the Third Reich era.

Sources and References

• IMA-USA: Original German WWII Small Naval Water Sports Flag (7.5 × 11") – product listing (used with permission for comparison).
• Warrelics.eu forum thread: "Wassersportflagge – Water Sports Flag" (posted by user Ingo, 2013) – visual confirmation of authentic variant.
• Internal market comparison (unlinked): additional miniature variant approx. 17.8 × 33.6 cm observed on militaria website, structurally identical.