Germany, Kriegsmarine. A Rare Harbour Pilot’s Flag

(Kriegsmarine Lotsen-Flagge). A rare and extremely well-preserved Kriegsmarine Harbour Pilot’s flag, constructed of a white cotton twill base, bearing a double-sided central dyed NSDAP-style German flag in the form of a red base overlaid by a white disc, in turn bearing a black mobile swastika, the hoist corners reinforced with extra layers of cotton twill, the outer corners reinforced with rows of machine stitching, the hoist edge reinforced with an extra layer of cotton twill with a hollow channel through which is loop a rope culminating at both ends in a magnetic metal hook, the obverse hoist edge stamped with a mark of “DELTA GR. 3” indicating a vessel of corresponding tonnage, the reverse stamped with an illegible maker’s mark, measuring 184 cm (w) x 144, demonstrating soiling and material fatigue consistent with moderate wartime usage, a scarce flag in better than very fine condition.

Footnote: In the lexicon of maritime signal flags, the Harbour Pilot’s flag offered is a so-called Delta flag, which indicates that the ship flying it is navigating shallow harbour waters and that other vessels must remain clear. The mark of “Gr.” (Größe) corresponds to the size of the vessel.