"Right Folks - any thoughts on the 'Prussian' Flag" Topic

My normal doodlings around the web brought his up:

A flag said to be Prussian and used at the Battle of Leipzig. More details here

ebay.to/2o6OlW8

Any thoughts? Does it ring true?

I enjoyed "Condition. Used"

I enjoyed this line:
Because the diplomatic and cautious King Frederick William III was reluctantly forced to fight alongside Napoleon 7 years earlier in 1906….

Exactly – the research behind the claim sort of isn't there. Could this be tho? What would it be?

Is it even a flag? How does it attach to a staff?

Interesting piece.

The Royal crown indicates after 1701 (coronation of Friedrich I). The monogram FR (Fridericus Rex) points to this ruler, or to Frederic the Great. However, the monograms on military flags of by Friedrich I are completely different, and those of Friedrich II simlar, though still slightly different.

The red eagle is the symbol of the province of Brandenburg (with Elector's cap), and this type of black eagle with Royal crown, with wreath and thunderbolts was found on the order of the Black Eagle.

The eagles don't look like the eagles used on Prussian military flags, but frontal eagles of this style are found on flags of Prussian ships.

So difficult to date: Friedrich I or Friedrich II, and possibly, as 79thPA pointed out, an embroidered tablecloth ?

@79thPA

"4 ft in height (122 cm) by just over 3 ft wide (37 inches / 93 cm) and it has an impressive depth of 2 and a half inches (just over 6 cm).

It weighs 9.08 kilos."

It looks to me like if it does attach to a staff it does so at the top – which makes it more a banner than a flag? – if as you say it is either.

Weren't flag decorations largely painted in on those days? As Sir AB points out this is massive thing to wave around in battle. That thickness suggests it is an eiderdown to snuggle up beneath.

I believe the height and width given, together with the weight, include the wooden frame and the front glass.

In the Prussian army of the 18th century, infantry flags were painted, and cavalry standards embroiderd.

Is it a flap for a pavilion window opening?

OS, of course you are right……it is the whole assembly.

It could be anything…other than a flag flown on a battlefield.

Before parting with thousands of Euros I would want to know more about provenance. Surely something like this, a flag flown at a famous battle, would not be sold on e Bay if REMOTELY genuine? If would be of national/international interest and go through respected sales rooms (if granted an export licence at all).

Looks more like a wall hanging than a flag of any sort.

"Welcome Baron Ludwig, we are so pleased you will be attending the wedding of the son of The Markgraf of Brandenburg to the niece of King Frederick. Please take a moment to admire the specially embroidered commemorative banners that line the entry hall, just for this occasion. After the nuptials, they will be available for sale in the gift shop. These would make an honored addition to any Prussian home, just 150 Thalers each.

How many would you like to reserve…?"

I can see it draped from a balcony or reviewing stand.

Grelber

I see it as a tapestry type of thing.

@deadhead – that was my gut – if it was a British flag used at Waterloo a museum would buy it.

Stitching at top seems to be a banner, to official to be Landwehr

So I've asked the question about provenance – lets see what comes back.

Ok – another one that doesn't make sense – a waterloo relic which has the world waterloo on it.

ebay.to/2LIV01N

That's a pouch of an officer off the 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Grays).

"The piece has the pleasing dimensions of 4 ft in height (122 cm) by just over 3 ft wide (37 inches / 93 cm) and it has an impressive depth of 2 and a half inches (just over 6 cm).

It weighs 9.08 kilos."

That's one thick and heavy flag.

Heavy because it's quilted I am fairly sure, no I don't make quilts but my mom does and has shown me how it's done.
Quilts have multiple layers.

14Bore seems to be right, It's a banner and it being heavily lined precludes it being able to 'fly' very well. Its purpose is to hang, probably from a wall or within a commanders campaign tent.

@DrsRob – so post waterloo, 1830's/40's?

What Sundance said.

The orientation of the cipher lettering shows how it's supposed to be seen.

Ain't no flag.

@Sir Able Brush – it was used from the mid 19th Century until the amalgamation with the 3rd Carabineers in 1971.

Thanks @DrsRob