BACKGROUND: Following an age old military tradition the German armed forces of the Third Reich utilized a wide variety of identifying flags and pennants to distinguish Officers and Headquarters and included specific flags and pennants for use by Officers who command units as varied in size as the Army High Command to Battalion sized units. Generally the flags and pennants were designed utilizing the basic unit size tactical map symbols and the appropriate waffenfarbe, (Branch of Service Color). On November 10TH 1934 the OKH, Oberkommnado des Heeres, (Army High Command), introduced the national eagle vehicle pennants for use by all Officers and Officials with officer rank/position as an identifying emblem of rank. The vehicle pennant was to be flown from the right front fender of a military or private vehicle when the Officer was present. The national eagle pennant was utilized by Officers 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. Additional regulations on August 13TH 1936 prescribed the addition of white border trim to the pennants. Further regulations of September 8TH 1938 also dictated that the vehicle flying the pennant be of German manufacture and in good condition. Most commonly the pennants were stiffened with an internal wire frame or an exterior clear celluloid cover. The non-stiffened pennants are usually associated with use on a private vehicle as opposed to a military vehicle. Of Note: Most commonly the pennants were stiffened with an internal wire frame or exterior clear celluloid cover. The non-stiffened pennants are usually associated with use on a private vehicle as opposed to a military vehicle. Also Of Note: Further regulations of September 8TH 1938 dictated that when the pennant was flown on a private vehicle, the vehicle must be manufactured in Germany and in good condition.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Machine embroidered eagle cut from an officer’s vehicle pennant. 14cm x 8.5cm. Would make a nice center piece for an Army insignia display.