WhisperX27

Yes...Flags can be a real problem sometimes. Do you know of another forum that deals with Imperial militaria? Thanks for your assistance!

Hi all....I recently picked up this flag from a veterans family. It measures roughly 10.6 ft X 6.6 ft. Nice period construction, snaps, and design of the Hohenzollern Eagle. The white has turned into a grey cast presumably from bunker oil smoke. It does have a slight pungent odor that has diminished with age. Unfortunately there are no markings on the header. Swallowtail design. I believe it may be a toppflagge for the SMS Preussen (1903-1931, but converted into a depot ship in 1920) or a "Royal Ships Ensign for use in Inland Waters. The latter would have been used whenever a Prince of Hohenzollern was aboard a vessel in inland waters (Lake Wannsee for instance). Due to the size, I am leaning toward it being a toppflagge. Any observations from the group would be appreciated. Finally...any thoughts on value? Thanks much!

My State Secretary Flag.....

Thanks for the reply. Seller was advertising it as a 1871-1893 2nd Reich War ensign. Just didn't look right to me at all. But I wanted to get another opinion. Yes...we can bin #2. Any other input from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

Hello...My wife and I were just looking at the photo and she just made the remark that it looked hand painted (she is the artist, not me). Why do you suppose a flag would be hand painted? They most certainly wouldn't have done that in 1867 as that is the earliest date this design would have been in use (by the North German Federation). No, not mine but have an opportunity to get it. I collect flags and this one is puzzling for sure! Any other comments welcome.

Hello...Thank you for the link. I have that page as one of my references.

If you are going to just simply download the pictures at least you could give a short reply....or maybe even a Thank You.

Saw a few photos of this flag and wanted to know what you guys thought about it. I don't know anything about it at all....thinking it might be an early 2nd Reich war ensign but the eagle looks 1700's Prussian. Any feedback? I would appreciate it immensely. Thanks!

I was able to find out that the stamp refers to the Verband Deutscher Soldaten Kreis Administration in Kiel. Does anyone know what that group is?

Hello....Just purchased this flag. I am trying to find out about the markings in blue. They seem to indicate maybe an arsenal somewhere in Kiel? Also, a gaffel flag was more in use in Imperial times. Any opinions on where this flag may have been used? Masted vessels were becoming obsolete in these days. Maybe it is a early Weimar flag? Size is 1.50X2.50 Any other opinions are greatly appreciated.....rarity, value, condition, etc. Any help is appreciated!

Please excuse my ignorance...but I haven't a clue what the series of letters and numbers mean in the 4th and 5th photographs? Are they decorations? Also, it looks like he retired in 1920...does that seem right? Anyone know how he died? He would have been 77 years old. Maybe from old age. Hopefully not in a bombing raid. Thanks again!

A few more photos of the flag: Thank you for the photos and documentation!

I see! So he was given the flag when he retired. That makes sense. I just received it yesterday and I must say that it is in immaculate condition. Vibrant colors and very little mothing. For awhile I even thought it may be a fake!! Thanks for clearing that up for me..........I have maybe 14 flags ranging from IKFs to RKFs and this one is probably the nicest one. I will care for it in his memory. Happy New Year!

It sounds like that man is the only possible solution to the question. I wonder what the D. initial stands for in front of his last name. Thank you for taking the time to reply. Regards Thomas Philipps

Hello...I hope I have posted this in the correct forum. I am looking for information on a "Vizeadmiral a D. Engelhardt". His name and address is stamped on a IKF I recently acquired. The only reference I could find was to a Rear Admiral W. Engelhardt who commanded the II Division of the I Battle Squadron on the SMS Posen during the Battle of Skagerrak. Any help would be appreciated. The flag measures 1,50 X 2,50 and is naval marked.