BACKGROUND: When Germany invaded Poland on September 1^ST 1939 the German armoured vehicles utilized a white painted Balkan cross on all four sides of the vehicle as identification insignia to prevent attack from friendly aircraft. The white Balkan crosses were highly visible however and also acted as a good aiming point for the Polish anti-tank gunners and armoured vehicle losses were higher then expected. As a result regulations of October 17^TH 1939, ordered the replacement of the white Balkan crosses with a black Balkan cross with a white outline. Anticipating further identification difficulties in the impending invasion of the low countries and France the OKH, Oberkommando des Heeres, (High Command of the Army), introduced the swastika field and vehicle identification flags on March 8^TH 1940. Further regulations of April 1941 discontinued use of the swastika flag and reverted to using the Balkan cross flag. During the early to mid-war rapid advances, when Germany still had air superiority, these type of flags were widely used by forward troops. Later in the war as Germany lost air superiority the flags were used less and less frequently. Considering that the swastika field and vehicle identification flags were only authorized for thirteen months, (March 1940 to April 1941), they must be fairly scarce.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly, 38" x 29", single sided, three piece, woven, light weight, cotton/rayon blend construction field and vehicle identification flag features a red base field with a separate, two piece, roughly, 17 1/2" diameter, white circular disk with a black printed, canted swastika to the center of one side. The central white circular disk is machine stitched to the flag. All four outer edges of the flag have dual-ply hems and all four corners of the flag have a small, natural alloy, grommet designed for attaching the flag to the ground or a vehicle. The flag has no visible manufacturer’s markings. The flag is in overall good condition with minor age and usage toning, light to moderate color fading to the swastika and a couple of small rips and tears.

GRADE ***1/2                             PRICE $429.00