One of the epitomes of all Third Reich Eagles, this Reiter Top was designed to sit atop the Standartes for the SS and the NSKK. It stands approximately 9 inches high and has an 8 inch wingspan. These were produced in 1935 by the Otto and Carolina Gahr firm who were famous for being the silversmiths to the SS and manufacturer of the SS Honor ring. They were also responsible for other pole tops manufactured during the Third Reich. Some of the original gilt finish of the eagle still remains and shows the extraordinary craftsmanship that went into the design of this piece. The poletop consists of a spout for the horizontal flagpole with an integrated vertical crossbar to hold the bunting. The Eagle and the grommet have remnants of the original gold gilding, with the silver swastika and the oak leaf wreath. At the back of the spout exhibits the maker's mark, "Gahr Munich 1935". This Reiter Top was probably used by the NSKK (The National Socialist Motor Corps) who were a paramilitary organization of the Nazi Party that existed from May 1931 to 1945. The primary aim of the NSKK was to educate its members in motoring skills and also to transport German Army troops, supplies and ammunition. From author's collection.
