BACKGROUND: Personal and unit command pennants were an old German Army tradition which was continued and expanded during the Third Reich and included new designs and patterns for the fledgling Luftwaffe. Regulations concerning Luftwaffe personal and unit command pennants can be found dated as early as January 1935, before the formation of the Luftwaffe was officially announced. The personal and unit command pennants underwent numerous minor alterations at various times through-out the war. The Officer’s vehicle pennant was introduced on December 27^TH 1935 and was originally designated, Dienstwimpel, (Service Pennant), on April 27^TH 1937 the designation was altered to Luftwaffenwimpel, (Air Force Pennant). This pattern pennant was utilized by Officer’s who were not authorized a command or staff pennant. The pennant was flown from the left, front, fender of the Officer’s official or personal vehicle, when the Officer was uniformed and in the vehicle. Of Note: Regulations also dictated that the vehicle flying the pennant be of German manufacture and in good condition. Further regulations of June 17^TH 1938 permitted all Luftwaffe personnel, regardless of rank, to fly the vehicle pennant on privately owned cars as long as it was being driven by uniformed personnel. The pennants usually came with a removable protective covering.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly, 9 1/2" tall at the hoist end, 14 3/4" long, horizontal, isosceles triangle, woven, dual-ply, Luftwaffe blue/grey cotton construction pennant features a nicely detailed, machine embroidered, second pattern Luftwaffe eagle in silvery/white threads with blue/grey accent threads, to the center of each side. The eagles wingspan is roughly, 7 1/8" from tip to tip. The pennant is mounted on an internal, alloy bar frame with closed, suspension loops to both the top and bottom of the hoist edge. The pennant has a protective, clear celluloid covering with a machine stitched on, simulated black, leather outer edge strip. The pennant is in overall very good condition with some light moisture staining and the clear celluloid cover has yellowed with age resulting in the pennant appearing quite dark. Also included is a roughly, 9 1/2" tall at the hoist end, 16 1/4" long, horizontal, isosceles triangle, olive drab, rubberized fabric, protective covering with a simulated, grained, leather finish. The hoist end of the cover has a fold over flap with dual, brown painted, magnetic sheet metal closure snaps. The flap has small openings at both the top and bottom edges to accommodate the closed, suspension loops of the pennants alloy frame. The cover is in overall very good condition with light age and usage toning and some minor chafe wear.

GRADE ***1/2                             PRICE $ SOLD