Original Item: Only One Available. The Black / White / Red Tri-Color flag of the German Empire first came about from a combination of the Black / White flag of the Kingdom of Prussia, and the White / Red flag of the Hanseatic League, a medieval commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and market towns in Central and Northern Europe. It was in use as the flag of the North German Confederation starting in 1867, and became the flag of the German Empire until its dissolution in 1919 following WWI.

In 1933, A H was named Chancellor and NSDAP rule began in Germany. The new regime promptly moved to remove all vestiges of the Weimar republic, changing the national flag back to an Imperial German style Black / White/ Red tri-color, and removing the Weimar Black / Red / Yellow Tricolor from the Canton of other flags. At the same time, the standard NSDAP flag with a red field, central white circle and black Swas (hook cross) was also introduced.

The two National flags existed together until 1935, when the Imperial Colors were retired once again, and the NSDAP Swas flag became the sole national flag until the fall of Germany in 1945.

This is a very good condition example of a Pre-WWII German National Tri-Color Banner, which measures a large 60 inches wide by 42 inches tall. These were used inside buildings, or possibly during parades on poles. It is of all cotton construction, is double sided and of multipiece construction. Each color is a separate piece of fabric. It has a hanging hem on one end, with some ties used to hang it from a pole.

Condition is very good, but it definitely shows wear and staining from long service. Some of the stitching at the end hems has pulled, and there are some small holes as well. It has a great patina of age that is impossible to duplicate. This would be perfect for a wall display!