A RARE GERMAN WWII REICH CHANCELLERY BANNER WITH EXCELLENT PROVENANCE. The single sided tapestry banner entirely hand embroidered (needlepoint) in red, white and black wool. At center on a white medallion embroidered field, a black swastika on its side bordered with bullion edging. The swastika encircled with bullion oak leaves executed in crewel. Further out a double square bullion border with white and black border between. The upper section of the banner is sewn with an open sleeve so as to accommodate a suspension rod. The verso backed in red fabric and reinforced corners, the bottom border with bullion tassels. Light toning consistent with age and overall in very good to excellent condition. 68.5 inches x 51 inches (174 cm x 130 cm).

Provenance:
Chief Yeoman Le Roy Francis Gereau USN (1921-2005), obtained first hand from the Reich Chancellery, Berlin Germany, May 1945, and by descent to his wife, the consignor. Iowa native Le Roy Francis Gereau enlisted in the U.S. Navy in April of 1940 obtaining the rank of Chief Yeoman. From October 1944-March 1946, he served as the chief administrative clerk to Captain Arthur Harrison Graubart (US Naval Academy class of 1925). Along with Captain Graubart, Gereau was one of the first US Military personnel to visit Berlin at wars end. He also accompanied Captain Graubart to the Potsdam Conference while Captain Gereau (a lifelong Naval intelligence officer once stationed in pre-war Germany-Berlin) discussed the partition of the remainder of the German fleet eventually taking command of the German cruiser Prinz Eugen. According to written documents, the offered banner, along with another identical specimen were obtained by Chief Yeoman Gereau while visiting the Reich Chancellery while on duty in Berlin in May of 1945. One was kept by Gereau while the other was given to Captain Graubart. The banner received by Captain Graubart was donated to the U.S. Naval Academy museum where it is currently on display. The offered lot comes with a profusion of supporting documents consisting primarily of copies of various materials including correspondence with the Senior Curator at the U.S. Naval Academy Museum, correspondence between Gereau and Graubart regarding he banner. An illustrated biography on Gereau, obituaries, service records, photographs and more.