This car pennant represents an extremely rare artifact from the early phase of National Socialist rule and documents the personal insignia of Hermann Göring as Reich Aviation Minister during the years 1933 to 1935. This brief period of use makes such pennants extraordinary rarities in military-historical documentation.
Historical Context: Following the Nazi seizure of power on January 30, 1933, Hermann Göring was initially appointed Reich Minister without Portfolio. On May 5, 1933, he additionally received the newly created office of Reich Commissioner for Aviation, which had been established by decree on April 27, 1933. This position was later transformed into the office of Reich Aviation Minister. In this function, Göring was responsible for building up the German air force, which initially had to be done secretly since the Treaty of Versailles prohibited Germany from possessing military aircraft.
Iconography and Symbolism: The pennant combines various symbolic elements that document Göring's special position. The Weimar Eagle at the center stands in direct continuity with the Weimar Republic and was still used in the early phase of the NS regime before being replaced by the characteristic Nazi eagle with spread wings. The Pour le Mérite, Germany's highest military decoration from World War I, which Göring had received as a fighter pilot, underscores his military reputation. As the last commander of the legendary Richthofen Fighter Wing, Göring enjoyed high esteem in military circles.
Design Features: The square form and arrangement of four diagonal rays correspond to the traditional German pennant form for high-ranking officials. The use of red cotton as base material and colored printing were typical for ministerial pennants of the period. The white disc in the center with rays broadening toward the corners follows established heraldic principles. The swastikas in the rays symbolize the new state order, while the reverse side with the central swastika and four Weimar eagles represents an interesting combination of old and new symbolism.
Chronological Classification: The period of use from 1933 to 1935 marks a transitional phase in the development of German air forces. On February 26, 1935, the Luftwaffe was officially proclaimed as an independent service branch, and Göring was appointed its Commander-in-Chief. With this promotion, his insignia also changed, and a new pennant was introduced that reflected his expanded role as Commander-in-Chief. The present pennant thus became obsolete and represents only this brief but historically significant transitional phase.
Technical Execution: The construction with sewn-in metal frame was necessary to give the pennant the required stability when attached to a vehicle. Car pennants were mounted on the hood or fender of official vehicles and signaled the presence of the respective official. The mentioned remains of the celluloid protective cover served to protect the fabric from weather conditions during travel.
Historical Significance: This pennant documents not only Göring's early position in the NS regime but also the gradual buildup of the Luftwaffe in circumvention of Versailles provisions. The fact that very few examples have survived underscores the exclusivity of this insignia and its short period of use. Such personal sovereignty symbols of high-ranking NS functionaries were systematically destroyed after 1945, which additionally explains their rarity.
As a material source, this pennant offers insight into the representational culture of the early NS state and the special role of Hermann Göring, who was considered one of the most powerful men of the regime and whose accumulation of offices was unprecedented. The combination of Weimar and Nazi symbolism reflects the transitional character of the period, when the new regime was still consolidating its power while maintaining certain continuities with the previous state.
