February 9, 20197 yr #1 This one is red, but has the black iron cross in the center. Flag is about 3 x 5 feet, has brass grommet in each corner. Never seen one that wasn't adorned with the s.......a. Very Nice condition and colors.
February 9, 20197 yr #2 The Balkan Cross version (Balkenkreutz), meaning that the cross consists of two "Balken," the German word for bars or "balks," may also have been manufactured, but apparently was never widely distributed before the war's end. One suggestion was that they had been warehoused, and Allied occupation troops found them and brought them home as souvenirs. However, several compelling period photos do exist with what appears to be Balkan Cross versions of the German Vehicle drape being used on the Eastern Front during 1944, and there are reports of its use during the Battle of the Bulge in 1945, both late in the war. Since most Allied troops picked up the majority of their souvenirs at the end of the war or immediately after its end that being said the extent and use, of this drape is hard to determine.
February 10, 20197 yr #3 1+ Ed is right. "German Balken means "beam, bar", so a literal translation of Balkenkreuz would be "beam cross" or "bar cross" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balkenkreuz
February 11, 20197 yr Author #4 Many thanks for the speedy replies. It is of a displayable size, so that is what I will do
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