BACKGROUND: Heinrich Himmler’s obsession with pagan runic symbolism manifested itself in runic emblems used by the SS, the most famous of which was the dual sig-runes used on the collar tabs, helmet decals and flags and banners of the SS. The dual sig-runes design was initiated by SS-Sturmhauptführer and graphic artist Walter Heck in May 1933, who sold his design to the SS for 2.50 Reichs Marks. With a deep understanding of pageantry and symbolism, and its propaganda and psychological effectiveness, the SS went to great lengths to reinforce their ideology to the general populace of Germany, with repetitive slogans and the omnipresent use of the flags and banners.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly 240cm tall, 160cm wide, multi-piece, cotton/rayon blend construction vertical banner. The banner features a black base field with dual, cut-out, white, SS runes, machine stitched to the center of each side. Both the top and bottom edges of the banner has a tunnel loop for a suspension rope. The hoist edge also has small dual-ply reinforcement panels to each corner. The fly end of the banner is hemmed. The banner is in overall excellent, clean condition. Partial original RZM tag remains. Perfect, original example.