Description
This is a really exciting find from our most recent buying trip to Germany. It is a desk-sized veteran’s banner representing a veteran’s group for Oldenburgisches Infantry-Regiment Nr 91. This regiment was raised during the height of the Napoleonic Wars in1813. It was garrisoned in Oldenburg. Oldenburg, although designated a Grand Duchy, was relatively small. It fielded a single infantry regiment, one cavalry regiment, and one Bataillon of artillery. The regimental banner would always be used at parade functions and even often while on the march. This desk banner closely replicates the regimental banner in many respects. The mini banner measures 8 ½” x 81/2.” It is made of silk and sports mini tassels on three sides, just as the larger version would. One side displays the Oldenburg coat-of-arms, along with the legend “Die Treue ist das Mark der Ehre (Fidelity is the Mark of Honor).” In each of the four corners is the Grand Duke of Oldenburg Peter Ludwig’s royal cypher. The opposite side has as the central theme a gold embroidered crowned cypher for Peter Ludwig appearing within a wreath of leaves. Above and below this cypher is the legend “Verein Ehemaliger 91er Oldenburg (Society of Former 91st Oldenburg).” This marvelous handcrafted banner is attached to a metal frame that allows it to be displayed on a table top or other flat surface. It stands 21 3/4″ tall and 9″ wide. It has a substantial and decorative base. I must tell you that this piece displays like a million bucks. This would make for a wonderful centerpiece of a display featuring items from Oldenburg or that would be closely associated with this fine regiment. The banner and frame are of the highest quality and exhibit only gentle aging. I have had perhaps two of these sort of banners in the past. I can assure you that they are VERY difficult to find.
