In two-layer silk with gold fringe on three sides, measures 32" x 23" including the flagpole sleeve but excluding the fringe. The flagpole is in solid oak, 42" long including the 7"-long finial. The finial is rare early type looking very close to Soviet Stalin-era flag tops. The flag's design parrots Soviet Young Pioneers flags, adapted for Bulgarian reality: the obverse features the Bulgarian young pioneer membership badge with Dimitrov's profile in the center resting on the Soviet motto of Young Pioneers "Always Ready!" but in Bulgarian language, of course. The wording abov

In two-layer silk with gold fringe on three sides, measures 32" x 23" including the flagpole sleeve but excluding the fringe. The flagpole is in solid oak, 42" long including the 7"-long finial. The finial is rare early type looking very close to Soviet Stalin-era flag tops. The flag's design parrots Soviet Young Pioneers flags, adapted for Bulgarian reality: the obverse features the Bulgarian young pioneer membership badge with Dimitrov's profile in the center resting on the Soviet motto of Young Pioneers "Always Ready!" but in Bulgarian language, of course. The wording above and below the centerpiece is also an adaptation of the Soviet standard. It reads "For the cause of Dimitrov, for the cause of Lenin and [Stalin], be ready!" Note the lackadaisical attempt to "de-Stalinize" the flag, similar to the process started by Khrushchev in the USSR in mid-1950s but executed with much less vigor. Stalin's name was very inefficiently covered in red paint which soaked through the silk and left the politically incorrect "Stalin" clearly visible.

The reverse side is inscribed with the identifying information about the squad the flag belonged to: "Squad # 40 after N.J.Vaptsarov, v[illage] of Nedoklan, Razgrad Region". Nikola Vaptsarov was a Bulgarian writer and poet, revolutionary and anti-fascist. In 1942, he was arrested, tortured, and executed together with eleven other anti-fascists. It is an interesting historical fact that King Boris III who used to favor Vatsparov and was a frequent guest in Vatsparov's house, refused to pardon the poet. Perhaps, the upcoming visit of Goebbels played a role in the king's decision. But that wasn't the end of the story. Vatsparov survived the firing squad as confirmed by the attending physician at the execution. King Boris was called on the phone about that. Boris' response to the news was "Убийте го! Гръмните го в главата!" (Bulgarian for "Kill him! Shoot him in the head!"

In excellent condition. A few very faint water stains are present on both sides but they are practically invisible, lost in the moiré sheen of the silk, unless you look really close, long and hard.

Please note that the 1-ft. ruler in our last photo is for size reference.
$290.00  Add to cart