Fahrzeug-Erkennungsflagge (I.D Flag)

a German vehicle identification flag (Fahrzeug-Erkennungsflagge) a specially designed cloth that was attached flat to the hood, roof or aft deck of a vehicle to help friendly aircraft (such as the Luftwaffe) recognize friendly troops and prevent 'friendly fire'. Unlike normal flags, these ones had metal eyes (Grommets) in all four corners to be able to tie them tightly to a vehicle or tank. The most common version was a red cloth with a white circle and a black swastika (swastika). From April 1941 onwards, a version with the Balkenkreuz (the German Balkenkruis), although the swastika versions remained in use throughout the war. They varied in size, but common sizes were around 90 x 190 cm or 70 x 100 cm, depending on the type of vehicle. Because they were laid flat on a surface, these flags were almost always printed or stitched on one side. During the rapid advance (Blitzkrieg) in Poland and France, they were frequently used because Germany still had air superiority at the time. As the Allies dominated the skies, the flags were used less. A bright red flag on a tank also made the vehicle an easy target for enemy fighter-bombers.

This item:
This vehicle flag is unused and in mint condition. No moths and not a single stain. It is made of cotton. The white circle in the middle was often a separate piece of cotton stitched onto the red base (machine stitched). The swastika is applied using screen printing. All 4 rings are in good condition and not torn. A wonderfully beautiful flag that cannot be improved. The size is 95 x 195 cm.