small imperial battle flag

[Hengis]

Dear all,

I recently got this small imperial Reichskriegsflagge. The size is 55 x 35 cm (22" x 14"). Could anyone determine if it is an authentic piece and from which period (pre ww1, ww1 or later). If it is old, what would have been the purpose of such a small flag?

Would be great if anyone has some ideas about that piece.

Cheers
Andreas

[Chopperman]

I am no expert at all on flags but I like this one.
The detail is very good and the material and overall quality
seem to match a small pennant That I have that others have told me is original.

[MAP]

More of a query for others as I don't pretend to know much about these. But why is the rope so nice and clean where the rest of the flag is worn out? The blue, gold and red colors in the eagle are quite vibrant as well.

If original, a great flag. Perfect small size for a display!

[Hengis]

Thanks for your replies, Gentlemen!

Concerning the rope it appears brighter on the images than it actually is. It also shows traces of worn where it was attached. But still, its condition (as it also is from the surrounding cloth) is indeed better than the "main flag". I would like to add two observations to this:
- the cloth that attaches the rope to the flag is a bit to short - maybe it was attached to the flag later
- we do not know what happened to the flag during (if it is authentic) its original use and afterwards. E.g. I thing that the dark stains are quiet late because it seems that they are also on the patch.

@ Chopperman: Would you post an image of your pennant?

Best regards
Andreas

[TabsTabs1964]

Hi Andreas.
I'm not an expert, but agree with Greg's opinion.
Really looks nice for me.
Great stuff.
Santi

[CBH]

Photos in natural light might help.

[Hengis]

Thanks for the further replies!
I only have the attached good quality daylight photo on my notebook. Hope it helps. I am back home on Saturday and can do more / better photos in natural light. But in reality the flag appears more "dark" / yellowed as in image #4 and 5.

Best regards
Andreas

[Anderson]

I think we can all agree the small flag is old, but it does look to my eye that some restoration work has been done, with more recent canvas edge with cord attachment. The flag has bowed in at that end as well, where it's been sown.

[Chopperman]

I think we can all agree the small flag is old, but it does look to my eye that some restoration work has been done, with more recent canvas edge with cord attachment. The flag has bowed in at that end as well, where it's been sown.

I agree with the above .

Here is my pennant. This is the only pictures I have right now. The one was done in my scanner
so the colors did come out right, Way to much contrast. The other picture has truer colors but
of coarse is not close enough for this conversation.

You will obviously notice a big difference in the eagle but that is because mine is so much smaller
than yours. Mine is roughly 7" by 9.5". But the material texture and printing look very similar.

[CBH]

A burn test on the cordage might tell the tale.