Original research
Wool Is Not a Date: Why German Flag Cloth Cannot Be Dated by Fabric Alone
German textile standards and catalogue evidence show why wool, weave and dimensions alone cannot establish the age of a flag.
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Flags connect the past.
An independent archive of flags, research articles and reference material. Explore the objects, histories and sources behind them.
Featured Research
C-Doppelstander
Research into the German occupation ensign, its regulations, construction and surviving examples, including collection specimens FG-047 and FG-048.
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Latest Research
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The "Fake" flags
About a year ago I bought a white ensign flag on a flea market.
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Browse the Collection →63 of 90+ flags documented.
FG-065
Imperial German Reichskriegsflagge, 1892–1903
Germany · Early Imperial Period · 1871–1903
Approx. 120 × 200 cm
FG-065 · Germany
Imperial German Reichskriegsflagge, 1892–1903
- Dating
- 1892–1903
- Markings
- 2 × 1,2 m · Crown above M 1
- Hoist
- Reinforced heading with integral rope
- Construction
- Printed design on woven flag cloth
- Observation
- Narrow cross, interrupted central circle and revised 1892 Prussian eagle
- Type
- Naval war flag / Reichskriegsflagge
- Format
- Approx. 3 : 5
FG-064
Early Dutch National Flag
Netherlands · WWII Period
90 × 145 cm
FG-064 · Netherlands
Early Dutch National Flag
- Dating
- First half of the 20th century, likely 1930s–1940s
- Material
- Coarse, openly woven wool flag bunting
- Markings
- None visible
- Hoist
- Narrow white woven reinforcement with braided attachment cords
- Construction
- Three separately cut and machine-sewn horizontal panels
- Context
- Original owner and place of use unknown
- Type
- Dutch national flag
FG-063
Kingdom of Italy Merchant Ensign
Italy · Kingdom & WWII Period · 1922–1946
130 × 213 cm
FG-063 · Italy
Kingdom of Italy Merchant Ensign
- Dating
- Early to mid-1940s
- Material
- Coarse woven wool flag bunting
- Markings
- None visible
- Hoist
- Heavy woven canvas heading with attached natural-fibre rope
- Construction
- Fully multipiece and machine sewn
- Context
- Acquired at the Ciney Militaria Fair, Belgium, in 2024
- Type
- Civil flag / merchant ensign
FG-062
Christiania Flag, Copenhagen
Miscellaneous / International Flags · Flags
Approx. 90 × 130 cm (present condition)
FG-062 · Miscellaneous / International Flags
Christiania Flag, Copenhagen
- Dating
- Contemporary (used until 2026)
- Material
- Lightweight woven polyester flag cloth
- Hoist
- Folded and machine-stitched reinforcement fitted with metal grommets at both corners
- Construction
- Three yellow discs printed directly onto a red polyester field
- Context
- Photographed in use at the Christiania-boden before removal and acquired directly from the flagpole in 2026
- Type
- Political-social conflict flag
- Format
- Rectangular community flag
Resources
All resources →Manufacturer Labels
Bonner, Annin and Defiance labels, postal addresses and production markings.
Flag Books & Catalogues
Flaggenbuch editions, scanned catalogues and historical manuals.
Flag Sizes
Historical flag dimensions and standard size tables.
External Research Sources
Archives, museums, flag databases and specialist references.