Fall 2026 Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 105:
Description
Extraordinary original-period Schutzstaffel (SS) monumental double-sided runic hanging banner, measuring approximately 22.5 feet in length by 4.5 feet in width. Constructed in black cloth with enormous separately applied white double Sig runes on both sides, this is a true large-scale architectural or ceremonial hanging rather than a conventional flag, podium banner, or small barracks display. The scale is exceptional. Comparable original SS hanging banners documented in established collections and auction archives are often approximately 7 to 8 feet in length, with widths in the 4.5- to 5-foot range. This example retains a similar width of approximately 54 inches, but extends to roughly 270 inches, or 22.5 feet, making it dramatically larger than the more commonly encountered SS hanging banners. The proportions and repeated insignia on both faces indicate manufacture for prominent suspended display in a large interior, institutional setting, headquarters, barracks, rally installation, or comparable SS venue where the banner could be viewed from more than one direction. Construction is substantial and sophisticated. The black field is assembled from long machine-sewn textile panels, while the oversized white runes are individually cut, pieced, reinforced, and machine applied to both sides. Close inspection shows the angular rune components made from multiple joined sections of white cloth, with diagonal reinforcement stitching at the bends and points. The double-sided construction required significantly more labor and material than a single-faced wall banner and is a notable feature of this example. Of particular importance is the surviving woven SS/RZM control label reading "Vom Reichsfuehrer SS befohlene Ausfuehrung", approximately "manufactured/executed as ordered by the Reichsfuehrer-SS, " together with the SS runic and RZM devices. This style of control label is associated with officially regulated SS textile production and supports the banner’s institutional manufacture. The banner retains strong black coloration, while the applied white runes have aged to an ivory tone and show staining, creasing, handling wear, and areas of discoloration consistent with long-term use and storage. The surviving seams, panel joins, applied rune construction, double-sided execution, and SS/RZM label provide significant detail for the advanced textile collector. A highly significant and visually imposing example of monumental SS display material, remarkable for its double-sided construction, enormous 22.5-foot length, applied cloth runes, and surviving SS/RZM approval label. Its size and construction place it well beyond the category of ordinary SS podium, barracks, or meeting-hall banners and into the realm of major architectural or ceremonial display textiles. Measures approximately 270 inches long by 54 inches wide. Double-sided. Condition as photographed, with age, staining, creasing, wear, and loose threads consistent with period use and storage.
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