![[Social Democratic Party 1953-1961 (Germany)]](../images/d/de}spd53.gif)
3:5 
Image by Marcus Schmöger, 24 June 2002
Last modified: 2012-12-20 by pete loeser
Keywords: social democratic party | sozialdemokratische partei deutschlands | spd | letters: 3 (white) |
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3:5 Image by Marcus Schmöger, 24 June 2002
The first variant of the SPD flag after 1945 contained yellow letters, in a rising sequence, with a black shadow on a red background. This variant was used at least from 1953 onwards, until it was replaced by the 1961 pattern. However, as there were not only the hoisted flags of this pattern, but also embroidered Fahnen of local branches, many Fahnen of this type are probably in existence and use until now. For instance, at the demonstration on 1st May 2001, I have seen a Fahne of the branch of Sendling (a Munich quarter) using this type of lettering.
Marcus Schmöger, 6 October 2001
As I obtained a colour copy of the original colour drawings of Rabbow 1965 [rab65] —only the black and white version was printed in Rabbow 1965— I have improved my image of the 1953-type flag with yellow letters and black shadow. Sources:
I must admit I am not sure about the actual use of these two party flag variants before 1961. It is not clearly stated in Rabbow 1965 [rab65]. I get the impression —only the impression, though— that the variant version was the flag that was used as a flag proper by the party headquarters, whereas that with yellow letters with black shadow was used for the Fahnen of the local branches, with inscriptions and other symbols added.
Marcus Schmöger, 24 June 2002
![[Social Democratic Party 1953-1961, variant (Germany)]](../images/d/de}sp53b.gif)
3:5 
Image by Marcus Schmöger, 12 February 2003
Another variant of an SPD flag in the 1950's is described in Rabbow 1965 [rab65]; however, the drawing and description in Rabbow 1965 [rab65] are insufficient to make an image.
Marcus Schmöger, 6 October 2001
As I obtained a colour copy of the original colour drawings of Rabbow 1965 [rab65] —only the black and white version was printed in Rabbow 1965— I have made an image of the other pre-1961 flag with yellow outlined letters. Sources:
An actual example of the 1953-1961 flag variant was for sale on eBay in January 2003, reported in the German mailing list. I have made an image following the photo of this flag. It shows yellow-fimbriated red letters 'SPD' in a rising sequence, on a red field. Source: Jörg Karaschewski, SPD Parteiflaggen bei eBay, 5 January 2003, Flaggenkunde mailing list.
Marcus Schmöger, 12 February 2003
![[Social Democratic Party 1953-1961, Vertical Flag (Germany)]](../images/d/de}sp53v.gif)
5:2
Image by Marcus Schmöger, 12 February 2003
Another pre-1961 SPD flag was for sale at eBay in January 2003. This is a hanging flag - I assumed a ratio of 2:5 - of red colour with a slightly lighter red circle in the center, which bears the letters 'SPD' in a rising sequence. The colour of the letters is somewhat dubious; the photo shows a kind of buff colour, but I assumed it to be white, the shadows of the letters are darker red. Source: Jörg Karaschewski, SPD Parteiflaggen bei eBay, 5 January 2003, Flaggenkunde mailing list.
Marcus Schmöger, 12 February 2003
