The Prussian flag ribbon for battalion colors bearing the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross from 1813 and 1870 represents one of the rarest and most historically significant military decorations of the Kingdom of Prussia. These special flag ribbons were awarded only to those battalions that had distinguished themselves in two of the most important conflicts in Prussian military history: the Wars of Liberation 1813-1815 and the Franco-Prussian War 1870/71.
The tradition of decorating regimental colors dates back to the Prussian reforms at the beginning of the 19th century. King Frederick William III instituted the Iron Cross as a military decoration on March 10, 1813, during the Wars of Liberation against Napoleon. Battalions that had particularly distinguished themselves under enemy fire received the Iron Cross of 1813 as a flag finial – an honor bestowed upon only a few units.
After the victorious campaign of 1870/71 against France, Emperor William I renewed the Iron Cross and awarded all Prussian battalion colors that had stood under enemy fire the new flag finials with the Iron Cross of 1870. Those particularly tradition-rich battalions, however, that had already earned the Iron Cross in the Wars of Liberation, received a double distinction: they retained the Iron Cross of 1813 on their flag finial and additionally received this extraordinary double flag ribbon.
The design of these flag ribbons followed strict heraldic and symbolic guidelines. The colors black and white corresponded to the colors of the Iron Cross and simultaneously symbolized the Prussian national colors. The double ribbon bore on both sides the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross from 1813 and 1870, making the double combat decoration immediately recognizable to every observer.
The upper termination was formed by a bow, upon which a silver flag nail with the crowned Prussian coat of arms was mounted. This flag nail served not only for attachment to the flagstaff by means of a rear screw, but was itself a symbol of royal authority and recognition. The lower ends of the ribbons were decorated with silver tassels, befitting the dignified appearance of the whole.
The awarding of such flag ribbons was strictly regulated and occurred through Supreme Cabinet Order. Only battalions that had demonstrably stood in direct combat with the enemy in both wars were eligible for this honor. This primarily concerned the older line regiments of the Prussian Army, whose traditions dated back to the Napoleonic Wars.
The rarity of these flag ribbons can be explained by several factors. First, the number of eligible battalions was limited from the outset – only a few units had participated in both conflict periods. Second, few of these pieces survived the turmoil of the 20th century. Many Prussian regimental colors and their decorations were stored in 1918 after the Kaiser's abdication or were lost during World War II. The Red Army confiscated numerous military trophies in 1945, including many flags with their ribbons, which were taken to Moscow.
The flag ribbon embodies not only military tradition but also the continuity of Prussian state philosophy. The honor of the troops, symbolized by their colors, stood at the center of the Prussian military ethos. The flag was considered sacred, its defense the highest duty. The decoration of the flag with ribbons and order decorations honored not individual soldiers, but the entire unit and its cross-generational tradition.
In the Prussian Army, flag ribbons were presented at parades and ceremonial occasions. The color company of each battalion had the honor and duty to carry and protect the colors. The ensigns and later flag officers formed a special group within the officer corps, for whom carrying the colors represented one of the highest military honors.
The military-historical significance of such flag ribbons can hardly be overestimated. They are material witnesses to Prussian military history, testifying to the decisive conflicts of the 19th century – from the defeat of Napoleon to the founding of the German Empire in 1871. Each ribbon tells the story of a unit that preserved its tradition through decades and proved itself twice in combat.
Today, these flag ribbons are of the highest museum and collector value. They belong to the rarest objects of Prussian militaria and are found only in a few significant collections and museums. Their preservation is of great importance for understanding Prussian-German military history and the symbolic practice of military decorations in the 19th century.
