Germany 3rd Reich National Socialist German Workers Party (NSDAP) Banner, 1933-1945.
This is a large cotton "Nazi" Party banner from Germany during the reign of Hitler's 3rd Reich. Their use became ubiquitous, and they could be seen at party rallies, parades and gatherings. In the Germany of the Third Reich, wide use was made of flags and banners for political propaganda. The swastika became the ubiquitous symbol of this barbaric era and such flags adorned the backdrop of nearly every facet of public life. Such decorations were plentiful booty in a vanquished Germany.
Returning GIs brought back plain Nazi party banners like this. An unnamed GI took this banner in the town of Magdeburg in April of 1945. The banner is inscribed with the location, "Magdeburg" and includes the date, "April 18, 1945." The war in Europe ended 19 days later on the 7th of May 1945.
Province of Magdeburg adopted its namesake city as its capital during the Second World War. The city on the Elbe was nearly destroyed by Allied bombing, giving it the dubious distinction of Germany's second most devastated city after Berlin. The City of Magdeburg was liberated of Nazi control by elements of the US Ninth Army on the 17th of April, 1945, one day before this flag was captured.
Provenance: Acquired by purchase at Internet auction.
ZFC Noteworthy Flag
Sources:
War Trophy, Wikipedia, 30 April 2012, from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_trophy
Third Reich 1933-1945 (German), Flags of the World, 30 April 2012, from: http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/de193345.html
Magdeburg, Wikipedia, 30 April 2012, from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magdeburg
Image Credits:
Zaricor Flag Collection
