Germany, Freikorps. A Rare Freikorps Bug Kameradschaft Trumpet Banner

(Schutztruppe Bug Fanfarentuch). An exceptionally rare and well-preserved trumpet banner used by the Kameradschaft (Comrades Association) of Freikorps Bug (Schutztruppe Bug/Brigade Olita), constructed of two panels of red and black cotton blended cloth firmly stitched together along all four edges, with three edges featuring an elaborate bullion wire fringe, the black panel bearing a pair of hand-cut red cloth crossed swords, with hand-stitched black details applied to their hilts, surrounded by a hand-embroidered silver-grey inscription of “FREIKORPS !BUG!”, the red panel overlaid by a hand-cut black cloth Cross Pattée defaced by a silver-grey Stahlhelm, flanked by a date of “1923” executed in hand embroidery of identical colour, with a hand-embroidered silver-grey inscription of “UNS TRÄGT EIN GLAUBE” (“WE CARRY A BELIEF”), with three black drawstrings retained on the hoist edge for attachment to an accompanying instrument, unmarked, measuring 44 cm (w) x 42 cm (h), demonstrating minor fading and soiling consistent with both age and display, but with no notable damage or wear, one of two known examples issued to the veteran fraternity of Schutztruppe Bug/Freikorps Bug and a seldom-encountered example of the few Freikorps flags and banners remaining in existence, in near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Schutztruppe Bug (later absorbed into Brigade Olita from March 1919) was a Freikorps active in the fight against Bolshevik forces in Courland and Lithuania. Its members were entitled to wear the Bug Star, and later formed the nucleus of 38. Reichswehr-Brigade.