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Items of Cloth
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Please be sure to visit our Kaiser Wilhelm II collection.
Also, take a look at our Frederick the Great gallery.
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Veteran’s Banner, 1909 (Item KCLOTH 1-1; VETS 1-14) |
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| DESCRIPTION:This is one of the magnificent banners or veteran’s standards that were proudly carried by former soldiers in parades, celebrations, and hung in the Kyfhauser and Kriegerbund halls throughout the Imperial and National Socialist times. Every small village and hamlet had one, it seems, and because of their gorgeous workmanship they were grabbed by marauding looters at the war’s end. The most sought-after are the ones that (like this one) embody the Deutsches Hoheitabzeichen, Imperial eagle, and “Germania.” the spirit of German pride and honor. The veteran’s group was from “Selau. Borau-Gleben??? Possibly a borough of less than 100 people, but still proud of its veterans enough to purchase a first-quality banner like this. The other side with Germania shows that this veteran’s organization was formed in 1888, probably with ex-soldiers from the Franco-Prussian War. The legend reads “With God for King and Fatherland,” then, “Emperor and Homeland.” The detailing in embroidered décor is (fantastic). Look at some of the close-ups of Germania’s gown, for instance. This was a major project-well done! Historically very important. It measures 54 ½ x 45 inches. Condition is extremely fine with very slight fraying at the top-right corner on the Germania side and one hardly-perceivable hole in the white-satin finish toward center. We have seen possibly 75 to 100 of these in many years, both in collections in Germany and here, but have never seen one in better shape. An extraordinary piece.
PRICE: SOLD |
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German Imperial Framed Sailor Souvenir (Item KCLOTH 1-2) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is wonderful (Matrosenbilder), a sailor's souvenir, from his trip to the Orient. These were embroidered pictures that the German sailor would buy in one of the shops from Hong Kong to Macao, when on shore leave. They became most prized possessions in the homeland when sent back to the wives, girlfriends, etc. They came in varying degrees of excellence and this one would be considered one of the (best!). The condition is great! The eagle and dragon are the recurrent theme posed in different manners. This was a European-Asian tradition and we have seen occasionally British ones from the same period with the dragon and the union jack plus British lion, but to the Germans it was a must. Unfortunately, because of their frailty not many survived. Considering they are 1880-1912 period. Mostly the workmanship is nothing short of incredible considering that most of the work was done by hand. The gold and silver bullion used is absolutely gorgeous. The silk material used in the eagle's wings fully resembles feathers. The gold material in the anchor looks exactly like brass. The eyes of the bird and serpent are like those in taxidermy mounts. The colors are fantastic in all the characters and the Imperial war flag. By the way, this flag proves that the man who ordered this one was a sailor on a warship, not a commercial vessel. Under the left arm of the anchor is a little picture frame that contains the Kaiserlichadler, the Kaiser's eagle. This area was left open for a picture of the seaman whose property this was. This particular officer or seaman was so patriotic to Kaiser and Vaterland that he decided to forego his personalized item in favor of having the Hohenzollern eagle instead. This is also embroidered. This is definitely one of the finest of these Erinnerungbilder that we have ever seen. It is newly framed in a deep-set, specially constructed gilded frame setting. This was done because of the three-dimension pattern where the subjects such as the eagle are built up with inner padding to bring them out in incredible relief. The frame measures 31 ¾ x 22 inches (very impressive size). This will make an incredible center for the Imperial collector, especially the Imperial naval collector.
PRICE: $575.00 |
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Imperial German Framed Sailor Souvenir (Item KCLOTH 1-3) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is wonderful (Matrosenbilder), a sailor's souvenir from his trip to the Orient. These were embroidered pictures that the German sailor would buy in one of the shops from Hong Kong to Macao, when on shore leave. They became most prized possessions in the homeland when sent back to the wives, girlfriends, etc. They came in varying degrees of excellence and this one would be considered one of the (best!). The overall condition of this one is fine except that the German family that reframed it in the 1970's did not use the deep, recessed frame and the glass does touch the subjects, thus it shows wrinkles throughout. But, it is old and it is one of the finest detailed examples of these important historical objects we have had the pleasure of offering. This one is really quite different in that where the recipient's pictures usually goes, he has had a picture of his ship put there, also in embroidery. In a banner across the top are the words translated: "In memory of Service Time in Tsingtau, China 1905-1908." At the bottom are words that come out to sailor's artillery section and a Chinese city is again mentioned. Most of the work, if not all, was done by hand. Look at the eye of the eagle and you can see it is installed in the taxidermy style. The feathers of the eagle are absolutely lifelike. The fabric in the war flag is incredibly real looking. The cannons, torpedoes, mines, anchor, paddle, and lifebuoy are great! The oak leaves to one side and the palm leaves to the other add to its overall Teutonic appearance. The Prussian crown is done in absolute perfection. It measures 34 x 20 inches. This is a first-class trophy for any Imperial collector or especially a naval collector.
PRICE: SOLD |
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Framed Pillowcase from Prussian Royalty (Item KCLOTH 1-4) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This was a gift item to and from noble families in Prussia and adjoining states. Note that it has the Wappen coats of arms from all the German states such as Saxony, Wurttemberg, Hessian , Brandenburg , etc. The Kaiser himself had a pillow such as this and at the Dutch estate at Haus Doorn, which was the place the Kaiser was banished to after the War. It is shown among the various displays there. The one we have is framed; without the pillow insert. They seem to be hand embroidered and are quite colorful. There is a saying that goes: “Only a mother could love it.” Well, I will say here that only a true Germanophile will love this one. We show here along with the framed piece that we have and offer a picture of the one in the museum at Doorn. The picture is from the museum guidebook Der Letzte Kaiser; Wilhelm II. im Exil, printed in Holland. This is quite rare.
PRICE: $385.00 |
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German Imperial Tea Towel (Item KCLOTH 1-6) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is called a tea towel, but no one ever used them as such. Usually they were framed and found a frontal, honored position in the patriotic German household. The subject here is the German war cabinet with Wilhelm II as Supreme Chief of Staff and then all the other officers and leaders. It's dated 1914. This is a real piece of Imperial history and quite beautiful as well. It measures 26 x 22 inches and is in good condition.
PRICE: $150 SOLD |
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Patriotic Book Cover (Item KCLOTH 1-7; WWI 5-5) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is a beautiful book cover of fine-grade linen with embroidered overlay design. The motif is the German flag of black, white, and red supported by beautifully executed oak leafs with a ribbon whose message proclaims, "Durch Kampf zum Sieg!," "Through struggle comes victory!" It was made for a large book and it measures 14 1/2 x 10 ½ inches when folded. Fully open to both sides naturally doubles the measurement. This was most probably the work of a patriotic lady possibly with a soldier-husband or sweetheart. It would be great as a cover for a treasured item or in the alternative it could be framed as a great collection accouterment in itself. It has historic importance as well as beauty.
PRICE: $225.00. |
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KAISER WILHELM II CORONATION BANNER (Item KCLOTH 1-8; WILHELM 1-2) |
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| DESCRIPTION: Measuring 9'-9"
by 4'-7" this is one of the banners that decorated the lamp poles on
one occasion only, and that was for the Coronation of Kaiser Wilhelm II,
1859-1941, Emperor of Germany and King of Prussia. He succeeded Fredrich I
and this Coronation was in June of 1888. All streets of Berlin were decked
out in such trapping. This is a very rare banner.
PRICE: SOLD |
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Imperial Army Veterans’ Standard> (Item KCLOTH 1-9; VETS 1-10) |
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| DESCRIPTION:This is a magnificent embroidered standard from the Veterans’ Association from the town of Rheinau in the district of Baden Württemberg on the fertile soil of both the Rhine and Morg Rivers. It was for the most part an agricultural village where fishing was also a vacation and pleasure. The town area is famous for many Celtic graveyards and Celtic ruins here and there. The Celts occupied this Rhineland area from the 8th century to the 1st century BC. In 1945, fierce battles between the German XXXIX Panzer Corps and Americans took place in this region just south of Rheinau. With their backs against the wall German troops fought ferociously against the American IV Corps. The German counterattack was named operation “Nordwind.” Many of the reserves made up of mostly old men and boys from the town joined the fight and fought bravely against the alien invaders. Many of the oldsters and children were descendants of the veterans and Alte Garde, who carried this banner. The standard measures 53 x 53 inches and is in quite remarkable condition. Most all of these beautiful relics are tattered somewhat when rarely found. This one is quite sound throughout with no tears or damage considering it is from 1908, before the First World War. The piece is 97 years old and still retains all its glory and glamour. With the Imperial Eagle at the front with the ruling Hohenzollern family eagle in the middle the words proclaim, “With God for Kaiser and Reich!” Four important words describing the merits of the veterans of this town are seen in the four corners: “Tüchtig,” able or efficient “Tapfer,” with bravery “Ehrenhaft,” with honor, and “Treu,” loyal. On the reverse side are the words “Kriegerverein Rheinau,” “War Veterans’ Organization Rheinau” and the date. The bottom two corners have a net and fishing equipment and in the other corner are farmers’ tools. These stand for the two industries of the town. At the top wheat sheaths and vineyard vines plus the leaves of the sacred German oak surround much of the design. Sword and rifle also are seen to represent the military protectors of the area. The center has the Wappen, or emblem, of the Gau that Rheinau is centered in. This is one of the finest representatives of this lost German art that we have ever seen. PRICE: SOLD |
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Imperial Kaiserfahne (Item KCLOTH 1-10) |
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| DESCRIPTION:This is a phenomenon indeed. It is not an original-period Kaiser flag. But it’s no Pakistani copy, either. We believe it is a banner made up for a podium for some special event in the 1930’s or even the 1920’s. The Germans in the NS period often staged special ceremonies and reenactment events. The veterans’ organizations during the Third Reich often demonstrated their German loyalty to the Führer, but never quite deserted the ideals of the Kaiserzeit. To have a banner such as this on the speaker’s stand would be favored by the old soldiers who fought for king and fatherland. They were no National Socialists, but in their hearts they retained a fervent love of the former Hohenzollern monarchy. This would be the personal standard of Kaiser Wilhelm II and during his life this ensign would only be displayed at an even he would attend. The embroidery is actually better than the Pakistani work, but the seamstress got the Hohenzollern crown off to the left a bit. (More proof that this is a handmade German effort; not machine made.) It measures 54 x 54 inches; a very nice display piece for the Germanophile. It is a single-sided decoration; very dramatic looking and very affordable for a handmade flag.
PRICE: $975.00 |
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Imperial War Flag (Item KCLOTH 1-11; WWI 7-11) |
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| DESCRIPTION: Here is one beautiful example of this the world’s most dramatically beautiful flag, the Reichskriegflagge. This was strictly the military flag of the Kaiser’s empire. No flag of any nation was as bold and martial as this one. In its center is the Imperial Prussian Eagle and up in the left corner the Iron Cross and the colors of the empire—black, white, red. The size of this one is 130 x 81 inches (big). This was the size flown from U-boats in WW I. This flag is most closely associated with the Imperial Navy because from the time a German ship of war left port until its return it flew this, the flag of war! There are quite naturally a few moth holes here and there, but the general shape of this magnificent relic is quite remarkably good. Here is the most sought-after flag of Germanophiles worldwide and we are very proud to offer it to the collecting public.
PRICE: SOLD |
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Patriotic Handkerchief (Item KCLOTH 1-12; WWI 7-18) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is a small, linen handkerchief measuring 9 x 8 inches with the German colors along the edges and the Prussian Eagle and Iron Cross as central themes. It is a very nice little souvenir of the better time. There are a few small holes here and there, but still quite nice and displayable.
PRICE: SOLD |
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Imperial War Flag (Item KCLOTH 1-13) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is a beautiful hand-embroidered linen pillowcase with the famous lines of the Deutschland Lied and the Kaiserlisch Adler, German eagle, as its central motif with the colors of the German empire emblazoned upon it chest. Schwarz, weiss, rote, black, white, red. The words “Deutschland, Deutschland, Über Alles,” “Germany, Germany over all” does not refer to a sentence of bragging; it reminds the citizen of the Reich that the Fatherland should be his/her first consideration after the veneration, of course, of God. The pillowcase measures 20 x 15 inches with a black, white, and red intertwined cord affixed to all the edges. At the end where a pillow would be inserted the cord has loosened up and needs to be resewn back. Other than this, the item is in really good condition. Decoration is on one side only. The eagle’s head is surmounted with the Prussian crown and supported on its sides with palm leaves on one side and oak leaves on the other. This is a very nice and historical important art object from a better time.
PRICE: $280.00 |
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Imperial German Framed Souvenir of Trip to China (Item KCLOTH 1-14; KPAINTING 1-11) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is one of the great memory pictures all embroidered by hand in the eastern territories that German ships sailed to in the late 1800s. The workmanship in this item is phenomenal. They did come in varying degrees of artistic excellence and here we offer one of the best of them. They could be ordered during those times from Shanghai to Macao when these hardies were on shore leave. Although oriental, they were expensive in their time and often crew members would pool their money to purchase one to present to a favored captain or officer. The picture is really exceptional in workmanship. Note the workmanship in the faces of the creatures at the bottom. You will see a space left for the picture of the owner. We did not receive this picture from the German dealer, so we used a picture out of a book, but it is commensurate with the period of the whole item. Across the top are words to translate to: “In memory of China and Japan.” The Hohenzollern eagle is seen in the chest shield of the large Reich eagle while an oriental-type eagle and dragon do a bit of combat. The floral designs and ships’ national flags are done to artistic perfection. It has been framed recently as the old frame was nearly falling apart. It measures 28 x 23 inches and is in a very expensive, top-of-the-line framing with recessed depth so that the precious fabric and bullion does not touch the glass. This is not only an important historical relic, but will add 19th-century glory to your den’s wall.
PRICE: $880.00 |
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Book Fahnen und Standarten Träger, Flag- and Standard-bearers (Item KCLOTH 1-15) |
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| DESCRIPTION:Here is a great cigarette book with 32 pages of pictures (six to a page) of German soldiers through the centuries bearing the flags and standards of their particular corps. In other words, almost 200 wonderful color pictures of Germany’s military glory of the past, all the way from the Teutonic Knights in 1100 to the Fahnenträger of 1914. The drama of militaristic pride and high adventure is depicted in the ceremonial colors. This is not only a great reference, but a collectable-extraordinaire!
PRICE: $250.00 |
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Rarest-of-the-Rare Imperial Standard Prussian Kur Hessichen Jäger Bataillon (Item KCLOTH 1-16) |
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| DESCRIPTION:This has to be one of the rarest imperial standards or regimental flags ever located. We admit, we do not have a lot of information on this battalion of Kur-Hessischen army, but we did find this published picture of a Jäger flag bearer with identical flag. The caption underneath says: “Fahne des Preussischen Kur-Hessischen Jäger Bataillon.” We know from experience that white infantry standards of this design are sometimes found in Germany in the neighborhood of $20,000 to $35,000 and the ones at $20,000 are generally in pretty poor tattered and torn condition. This one is in extra-fine shape with a small, very repairable tear. The consigner has been told that this is practically the rarest of all German imperial standards for army line groups and possibly only two or three ever existed. Any further information that anybody can provide on the Jäger battalion will be much appreciated.
PRICE: WITHDRAWN |
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Veteran’s Standard Featuring Generalfeldmarschall von Mackensen (Item KCLOTH 1-17; WWI 9-4; VETS 1-19) |
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| DESCRIPTION: Generalfeldmarschall August von Mackensen (1849-1945), was one of the most distinguished officers in the army of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Thus we find it most natural that a cavalry Verein would feature the noble warrior in its honor banner (“Ehrenfahne”). The banner features v. Mackensen on its front panel. Supported on top and under the picture with the words: “Gott vertrauen und der eigenen Kraft!,” which means: “Trust in God and Your Own Strength!” On the other side (reverse) there is an utterly fantastic picture of a German cavalry rider with lance mounted on a beautifully rendered horse. NOTE: All the pictures are hand embroidered both front and back. Around the four corners are helmets depicted starting with the Dragoon helmet with horsehair décor and spike. This is seen at the top left-hand corner. At the right corner at the top is a Pelzmutze, or Hussar busby for an officer. At the right-lower corner is a Uhlan Tshapka or Uhlan officer’s helmet, and in the left-bottom corner is the ultimate cavalry helmet of the Garde d’Corps, the Kaiser’s personal mounted bodyguard regiment. The words embroidered in gold bullion letters read: “Kavallerie-Verein des Kreises Bergheim gegr.1930,” which means “Cavalry Association of the Bergheim Section.” The embroidery on this banner is nothing short of phenomenal; the best we have ever seen in that the great-looking gold fringe on two of the edges is virtually intact. The bottom edge is missing about 2 inches of fringe. On the left edge are five fastening loops for securing the banner to a pole or to a lance. The approximate size of the piece is about 29 x 29 inches. As would be expected there are some stains on the rider side (normal!) and also on the v. Mackensen side as well. In the pictures these stains look like fraying, but they are not. This is also unusual as these veteran’s standards are usually quite frayed from age and use. Please understand with all your understanding just what a Teutonic treasure this truly is. Look at the face of the Generalfeldmarschall and you will be looking at a phenomenon, indeed: “This is not a painting.” This likeness is entirely woven by hand stitching. To paint a picture so lifelike and exact would be a task. But to execute this in minute stitches is almost impossible to contemplate. This is without a doubt more than a veteran’s banner; it is a Germanic antiquity of special note. As to the man depicted, Generalfeldmarschall August v. Mackensen, here was one of Germany’s greatest warrior sons. He was a handsome and elegant man who claimed in is old age to have kept the figure of a lieutenant. He wore the startling black uniform of the Death’s Head Hussars with its busby crowned by a silver skull. Von Mackensen was born on December 6, 1849. After being privately tutored he was educated at the University of Halle before becoming an officer candidate at the age of nineteen in the 2nd Leibhussaren Regt. He fought in the Franco-Prussian War, winning the Iron Cross 2nd Class. Thereafter, his rise through the officer ranks was steady, becoming commander of the 1st Leibhussaren Regt. in 1893, and commander of the Leibhussaren Brigade in 1901. He accompanied the Kaiser on his tour of Palestine in 1898 and in his role as adjutant acquired a dashing reputation for his spectacular six-foot black-booted figure and for the courtliness of his behavior in public. In 1903 he was a major general commanding the 36th Division in Danzig. That same year he was promoted to lieutenant general on September 11. Five years later he was a Generaloberst in command of the 17th Army Corps. With the outbreak of World War I his dashing cavalry operations during the Battle of Tannenberg against the Russians on the eastern front earned him a promotion to field marshal in 1915. The rest of the war was spent as military commander of Serbia and Rumania. Thereafter, his life was full of public honor and although retired from the army in 1920, his Hussar uniformed figure was a well-known sight at public occasions. In 1879 von Mackensen married Dorothea von Horn and by that marriage he had two daughters and three sons between 1883 and 1897. His wife died in December 1905. He married Leome von der Osten on April 29, 1908, the year of his promotion to general. During the Third Reich von Mackensen was to be a focus for many disaffected officers from the old army. He remained faithful unto death to his king and emperor. When Wilhelm II died in Holland in 1941 the elderly field marshal was the only survivor from a bygone age to pay last respects to his sovereign. As the grave was made ready and the last respects made, von Mackensen, with tears in his eyes, offered his own personal gesture to the man to whose loyalty he owed his own success. He carefully laid his regimental cavalry cloak over the coffin and saluted the shades of old Prussia. His beloved Leibhussaren protected the last of the German kings even in death. (In 1951 when Crown Prince Wilhelm died, he was also buried in his full dress uniform as the Colonel Chief of the Death's Head Hussars.) The Kaiser had specified in his will that his funeral be strictly a simple military ceremony in Doom, Holland. Hitler was furious that he could not provide a state funeral in Berlin with full pomp and ceremony. That would have enabled Hitler to walk behind the Kaiser's casket showing Germany and the world that he was the legitimate successor. Von Mackensen, always the warrior, was perhaps the only figure in Germany who could honor the wishes of his last king at the expense of the desires of his current Führer. In 1945 von Mackensen, then 96, with sword in hand tried to stop Russian soldiers from looting his home. Fortunately they did not shoot him. He died in his sleep on November 8, 1945. When they buried von Mackensen, Germany paid last respects to an honored field marshal of the German Imperial Army. So, my collector friends and museum curators, I don’t think we could ever offer you something finer in the way of a German imperial item that even transcends that era and goes into the turbulent 1930s, as well. It is a fitting memorial to the “warrior’s warrior,” but also honors the elite German cavalry institutions, as well. What more can I say, “This is great!”
PRICE: SOLD |
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4 x6 Imperial Battle Flag in Beautiful Condition (Item KCLOTH 1-18; WWI 9-5; KRIEG 7-3; FLAG 2-14) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is just about the nicest of these that we have ever encountered. It’s almost immaculate with one small rip along the left seam about 3 inches long. We have also found five or six small moth holes on the right side of the flag spaced here and there, but it can truthfully said that they do not detract at all from the general great look of this flag. The colors are bright; the fabric clean. These flags, when found, command huge prices in Germany, but here in the Georgia mountains, we will offer it to the fortunate buyer at only…
PRICE: SOLD |
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Please refer to item designator in parentheses in all correspondence.
Please E-mail for any additional information you may need.If you prefer, contact 'Germania' at PO Box 68, Lakemont, GA 30552
or call at 706.782.1668.
Please! do not call during the wee hours of the morning. The best time for calling us is between 9 and 11 am and between 9 and 11 pm eastern time.