Hallo,
Thanks for visiting my post. I’d appreciate any help in authenticating the flag I just bought. I’ve just started collecting and really wanted to have a Royal Eagle flag. While I can’t yet afford the Royal Standard ones, I managed to get this example.
The seller stated this particular flag is the personal ensign of the SMS Preussen awarded by the Prussian States as a special commission in 1906. This flag likely would have been used as a top masthead flag in place of the naval ensign when the ship was fully dressed. A similar flag was awarded to the SMS Brandenburg (this would have been a red royal eagle on a white background).
The issue is that in the literature the SMS Preussen flag is depicted with a swallow tail (see image) and my flag doesn’t have this, therefore raising the questions:
1) Is the flag truly the flag flown by the SMS Preussen?
2) Is the flag in fact an authentic flag, correct to the time period and not a fake?
The flag measures 190cm x 250cm. There are no clear markings besides a faded number 8 and it has damages however I’m not sure this is caused by actual wear and tear considering their location?I have requested the provenance from the auction house and got recommended to post here from r/militariacollecting, and would really appreciated any insights you might have!
*Edit: do apologise that the flag is on the floor, I know it’s a no no but unfortunately I didn’t have any other way to check it without potentially damaging it.
[attach=config]1557777][attach=config]1557776
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