Hand-painted silk regimental flag. [Koblenz?, Germany], n.d. Visible 52 5/8 x 52 3/8 in. Handsomely presented in modern parcel gilt frame, 63 1/8 x 63 1/8 in. 

A fine silk flag, almost certainly from a veterans' organization of the 25th Prussian Landwehr Infantry. 

The design is typical of 19th-century Prussian infantry regimental flags. Constructed in black and white silk with an iron cross design. Painted at center is the Prussian Black Eagle with a riband reading: "Regt. Verein Landw. Inf. Rgt. 25" [Regiment Verein Landwehr Infanterie Regiment 25 / Regimenal Association of the 25th Landwehr Infantry]. The eagle is surrounded by olive branches and the Prussian crown. "O Conrad / Koblenz 36" is painted on the edges of an olive leaf on the right side. At all four corners, the monogram of King Wilhelm I (1797-1888) as King of Prussia (1861-1871) is painted. 

The inclusion of the monogram of Wilhelm I as King of Prussia, before he became German Emperor in 1871, may indicate that the organization was composed primarily of veterans of the Franco-Prussian War (19 July 1870-28 January 1871). The 25th Line Infantry Regiment served in the 1st Brigade, commanded by General Julius Richardson de Marguenat, in the 4th Infantry Division. 

The painted inscription places the flag in Koblenz, which was the headquarters of the regiment, including during their service in the First World War. O. Conrad, could be the name of either the artist or possibly a veteran or member of the association. "36" could indicate the year of production, or have another unknown significance. 

A beautiful and well-executed Prussian veteran organization flag. 

Note: This lot cannot be packaged and shipped in-house. Successful bidders winning items marked as being packaged and shipped by a third-party service are responsible for paying the third party directly. We are happy to offer complimentary drop-off service to local third-party packing/shipping companies in Columbus, Ohio.

[Flags, Patriotic Textiles] [Franco-Prussian War, Otto von Bismark, Napoleon III, Radical Politics, German History, Prussia, Prussian History, Wilhelm I, Kaiser Wilhelm] [Militaria, Accouterment, Equipment, Uniforms]

Not examined out of frame.