Imperial German Empire Kingdom of Bavaria Banner

German, circa 1902. Double-sided silk parade banner, embroidered and painted decoration, metallic thread and gilt fringe, fitted with nine brass suspension rings. A striking and exceptionally decorative Bavarian military veterans’ association banner, commemorating the military history and patriotic traditions of the Kingdom of Bavaria. Both sides are richly ornamented in blue and ivory silk with extensive floral, foliate, heraldic, and military decoration, with inscriptions executed throughout in German Fraktur. One side is inscribed “Mit Gott für König und Vaterland!?? (“With God for King and Fatherland!??), a quintessential Bavarian patriotic motto, and incorporates commemorative references to 1866 and 1870/71, recalling Bavaria’s participation in the Austro-Prussian War and the Franco-Prussian War. The reverse identifies the organization as the “Krieger- u. Kampfgenossen-Verein??, or Warriors’ and Comrades’ Association, founded in 1897 at Kleinochsenfurt, with the date 1902 prominently incorporated into the design. The center is dominated by the Bavarian Royal Coat of Arms, surmounted by a crown and flanked by elaborate military and heraldic ornament. Beneath the arms is the Bavarian motto “In Treue fest?? (“Steadfast in loyalty??). Additional commemorative inscriptions reference Sedan and Paris, two defining episodes of the Franco-Prussian War. Sedan recalls the decisive battle of September 1, 1870, while Paris commemorates the siege of the French capital from September 1870 through January 1871. Together with the “70/71?? inscription, these references reflect the veterans’ commemoration of the conflict that culminated in German unification and the establishment of the German Empire. The banner is further embellished with scrolling gilt decoration, flowering branches, ribbons, military trophies, Bavarian colors, and elaborate gold fringe. Its large format and nine brass suspension rings indicate its intended ceremonial use, most likely as a processional or meeting banner for the veterans’ association. From a White Plains, NY estate. Dimensions: flag measures approx. 50" x 60.50". Condition: Overall condition consistent with age, use, and period. The banner displays extensive creasing and wrinkling, general fading and discoloration, surface soiling, and scattered areas of wear. The silk ground has scattered pulls, snags, abrasions, and areas of weakness, with minor holes, splits, tears, and losses noted to the fabric and along some edges and seams. The embroidered, painted, and metallic decoration exhibits rubbing, wear, tarnishing/oxidation, and localized losses. The gilt fringe is worn and uneven, with areas of fraying, tangling, and loss. Additional minor condition issues may be present and are not necessarily visible in the accompanying photographs. Examination in person is recommended. Condition:, German, circa 1902. Double-sided silk parade banner, embroidered and painted decoration, metallic thread and gilt fringe, fitted with nine brass suspension rings. A striking and exceptionally decorative Bavarian military veterans’ association banner, commemorating the military history and patriotic traditions of the Kingdom of Bavaria. Both sides are richly ornamented in blue and ivory silk with extensive floral, foliate, heraldic, and military decoration, with inscriptions executed throughout in German Fraktur. One side is inscribed “Mit Gott für König und Vaterland!?? (“With God for King and Fatherland!??), a quintessential Bavarian patriotic motto, and incorporates commemorative references to 1866 and 1870/71, recalling Bavaria’s participation in the Austro-Prussian War and the Franco-Prussian War. The reverse identifies the organization as the “Krieger- u. Kampfgenossen-Verein??, or Warriors’ and Comrades’ Association, founded in 1897 at Kleinochsenfurt, with the date 1902 prominently incorporated into the design. The center is dominated by the Bavarian Royal Coat of Arms, surmounted by a crown and flanked by elaborate military and heraldic ornament. Beneath the arms is the Bavarian motto “In Treue fest?? (“Steadfast in loyalty??). Additional commemorative inscriptions reference Sedan and Paris, two defining episodes of the Franco-Prussian War. Sedan recalls the decisive battle of September 1, 1870, while Paris commemorates the siege of the French capital from September 1870 through January 1871. Together with the “70/71?? inscription, these references reflect the veterans’ commemoration of the conflict that culminated in German unification and the establishment of the German Empire. The banner is further embellished with scrolling gilt decoration, flowering branches, ribbons, military trophies, Bavarian colors, and elaborate gold fringe. Its large format and nine brass suspension rings indicate its intended ceremonial use, most likely as a processional or meeting banner for the veterans’ association. From a White Plains, NY estate. Dimensions: flag measures approx. 50" x 60.50". Condition: Overall condition consistent with age, use, and period. The banner displays extensive creasing and wrinkling, general fading and discoloration, surface soiling, and scattered areas of wear. The silk ground has scattered pulls, snags, abrasions, and areas of weakness, with minor holes, splits, tears, and losses noted to the fabric and along some edges and seams. The embroidered, painted, and metallic decoration exhibits rubbing, wear, tarnishing/oxidation, and localized losses. The gilt fringe is worn and uneven, with areas of fraying, tangling, and loss. Additional minor condition issues may be present and are not necessarily visible in the accompanying photographs. Examination in person is recommended. Est: $400.00 - $600.00

Estimate:$400

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