House Flags of German Shipping Companies (sch)

Deutsche Reedereiflaggen (sch)

Last modified: 2012-08-02 by klaus-michael schneider
Keywords: schau | schlicker | schliemanns | schluessel reederei | schmeil friedrich | schoening | schoning | schrader wrede | schroeder | schuchmann | schuett | schildt | schupp | schuppe | schwalbe | schwedersky | sfk |
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• Peter Schau
• Schiffsservice Berlin
• John Schildt Atlaslinie
• Schleppschiffahrt auf dem Neckar
• Schlepp-und Fährgesellschaft Kiel mbH
(SFK)
• Willy H. Schlicker
• Ernst Schliemanns
• Schlüssel Reederei
• Karl Schlüter
• Schmeil & Friedrich
• A.J. Schön & Co
• Befrachtungskontor Schoning
• Schrader & Wrede
• Günther Schröder
• Richard Schröder
• Robert H. Schröder
• B.J. Schuchmann Schiffshandel
• W.Schuchmann Reederei
• Gebr. Schürenstedt
• Heinrich Schütt
• N. H. P. Schuldt
• J.H.T. Schupp
• Victor Schuppe
• Franz Schwalbe
• A.H. Schwedersky
• A.H. Schwedersky Nachfahren

• H. & R. Schepers
• Reederei Wilhelm Schepers
• Schepers Rhein-See-Linie
• F. Schichau
• Schlüter & Maack
• Detlef Schmidt
• Hans Hinrich Schmidt
• Heinrich Schmidt
• Theodor Schmidt
• Wilhelm E. F. Schmidt
• E.C. Schramm & Co.
• Hans Schramm
• Schröder, Hölken und Fischer
• Heinrich Schuldt
• Schulte & Bruns GmbH & Co.
• Bernhard Schulte
• Thomas Schulte
• Reederei Schwaben

• House Flags of German Shipping Companies
• House Flags of Shipping Companies
• Germany

Peter Schau

The company was located in Leer. It is a black over red over blue horizontal tricolour, the colours of eastern Frisia. In the centre a white lozenge, fimbriated black containing a black inscription "Sch", is superimposed.
Source: "Flaggen, Schornsteine, Reedereien- Flaggen und Schornsteine der deutschen Reedereien und ihre Schiffe über 300 BRT"; Hamburg 1957; p.F25
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 13 Apr 2009

Schiffsservice Berlin

Alluded to in a message concerning Merkur Schifffahrt-Baustoffe, the yellow pennant seen here represents Schiffsservice Berlin (DE), click first photo in row of three. Company website, German only: This bunkering firm at Berlin-Spandau, founded in 1959, was taken over by I. Gersbeck in 1998 and
currently employs eight people.  Three bunkering vessels ply the Berlin inland waters (one of them accepting bilge) every day, a shipchandler?s shop is maintained, and quayside space offered to vessels in transit. Additionally, the firm operates a tourist shipping terminal.
House flag: Red-bordered yellow pennant, proclaiming name of owner "Ingo Gersbeck" and company "Schiffsservice Berlin" in black letters without serifs (two lines), plus the Berlin bear, also black, in the lower hoist corner.
These are in fact the national colours although, of course, the traditional Shell red & yellow are most prominent.
Jan Mertens, 8 May 2009

John Schildt - Atlaslinie

Flag reported 1897

It was a blue flag. In the upper hoist corner were a yellow moon crescent and a 5-point star of the same colour.
Source: Gratis Beilage zu Deicken und Behrmann's Neuen Monatsheften Neue Ausgabe Sommer 1897
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 11 May 2012

Flag reported 1924

The variant has additional yellow initials in three corners: "D" (upper fly), "P" (lower hoist) and "M" (lower fly). In the centre is a yellow inscription "Atlaslinie" (letters are slightly smaller).
Source: Otto Mathies: "Hamburgs Reederei 1814 - 1914", Hamburg 1924, p.140
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 8 Jul 2012

Schleppschiffahrt auf dem Neckar

?Towage on the (River) Neckar Ltd? is the meaning of this company name. Established at Heilbronn, this venerable firm was founded in 1877 to carry goods on the River Rhine?s tributary ? the ?towage? refers to the fact that for a number of years transportation was operated, literally, by barges being pulled along a 114 km long chain on the bottom of the river. The idea was to compete with the ever-expanding railways.  From 1935 on the river was fully canalized and steam (later diesel motor) vessels were put into service.  The company was taken over by Reederei Schwaben in 1972.

Direct link to German Wiki photo, showing navigation on the Neckar (before 1885):
 A 'Binnenvaart' page shows the flag as a drawing and flying on steam tug ?Otto Konz? (colour photo):
The flag has seven horizontal stripes black-red-black-white-black-red-black, the central (white) one being somewhat wider and bearing the serifed company initials ?S.a.d.N.? in black; next to the hoist is a vertical stripe in counterchanged colours RNRWRNR.  Black and red are the old Württemberg flag colours.
Jan Mertens, 5 Nov 2008

Schlepp-und Fährgesellschaft Kiel mbH

SFK (i.e. Towage and Ferry Co. Kiel) is present on the German Seatowage fleet page, about half way down.
The company arms are in evidence: Schleswig-Holstein flag colours, horizontal BWR with black initials ‘SFK’ in the middle stripe, behind the arms two crossed black anchors and yellow ropes draped around them (the anchors are therefore not strictly "foul" I believe).
As you can see on this Wiki page, the SCHILKSEE flies these arms on a white field (and the flag of Kiel on the bow) on this clickable photo. Again the SFK flag, on FALCKENSTEIN: here. See also company website
Founded in 1996, the former shipping department of Kiel’s local transport company and still owned by the town, SFK offers transport to places near Kiel – and supplementary lines to beaches, in summer – best seen on this little map.
In addition, harbour and Nord-Ostsee-Kanal (Kiel Canal) visits are organized during the season plus, of course, to the Kieler Woche (i.e. Kiel Week) sailing event. Charter tours are also possible. The entire fleet consists of four tourist vessels, two combined ships, three tugs and two maritime (seaworthy) pontoons.
Jan Mertens, 10 Aug 2008

We find an interesting historical overview of this company ('Kieler Verkehrs A.G.' on FOTW-ws being a precursor): here
We learn that 'Hafenrundfahrt AG' (i.e. harbour cruises) was founded by Christian Ivers in 1905 the ships of which were nicknamed "white steamers" - competitor Neue Dampfer Compagnie operated "black" ones. Although cattle transport was important, local shipping companies carried passengers as well, for professional as well as for leisure purposes.
For some reason the Nazis helped Hafenrundfahrt to buy up several companies such as a local bus operator and NDC, symbolized by a name change in 1938, 'Kieler Verkehrs AG' (i.e. Kiel Transportation Co.). See above mentioned webpage for the flag, rendered in b/w, half way down.
Even during WW2 this policy was continued as the NDC takeover happened in 1941; part of Kiel's tramway system was cornered the next year. At the same time, the municipality brought the company under its control. Eventually the KVAG shipping department would become SFK in 1996.
The 'Hafenrundfahrt' house flag appears in the 1928 Flaggenbuch II (part 1) under different numbers, depending on the issue. Attached is no. 339 on (deleted) p. 19 very much resembling present SFK and even more 'Kieler Verkehrs AG' in our pages.
image located by Jan Mertens, 24 Aug 2008
In this version the anchors are clearly foul (black-and-white rendering); the initials of the period, all black, are placed as follows: 'H.' on the red stripe, 'A.G.' on the white stripe, and 'K.' on the blue one: 'Hafenfundfahrt A.-G., Kiel'.
To recall, mother company (in the sense of combined municipal transport systems) 'Kieler Verkehrs A.G.' is here. KVAG became KVG or Kieler Verkehrsgesellschaft mbH in 2001.
Jan Mertens, 24 Aug 2008

Willy H. Schlicker

Reederei Willy H. Schlicker & Co
The company was located in Hamburg-Altona. It is a black over white horizontal bicolour with a big, red "S" in the centre.
Source: Deutsche Reedereien und ihre Erkennungszeichen; 2nd ed.; Hamburg; 1956; p.33.
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 4 Apr 2007

Ernst Schliemanns

Ernst Schliemanns Tankschiff Reederei
The company was located in Hamburg. It is a white over red over white horizontal triband with a white disc, fimbriated black, containing a black capital ?S? in the centre.
Source: Deutsche Reedereien und ihre Erkennungszeichen?; 2nd ed.; Hamburg; 1956; p.36.
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 4 Apr 2007

Schlüssel Reederei

Schlüssel Reederei K.G., Bremen - triband NWN; in center on white red shield charged with a white contour line and a white key. "Schlüssel" = key.
Image after Brown's Flags and Funnels Shipping Companies of the World, compiled by J.L. Loughran, Glasgow, 1995 [lgr95]
Jarig Bakker, 11 Sep 2005

Reederei Karl Schlüter

The blue flag is divided by a white saltire. In the centre is a white disc containing a blue initial "S".
For further information click:here
Source: Verband Deutscher Reeder homepage
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 13 Jul 2012

Schmeil & Friedrich

It is a 10-stripes flag horizontally divided by alternating red and white stripes. In the centre is a blue diamond containing a white inscription "S & F".
Source: Gratis Beilage zu Deicken und Behrmann's Neuen Monatsheften Neue Ausgabe Sommer 1897
Klaus-Michael Schneider and Jörg M. Karaschewski, 29 May 2012

A.J. Schön & Co

Black Initial

A.J.Schön & Co. - The company used a white flag with a black capital serifed "S" in the centre and 3 red stripes parallel to the edges except the hoist.
Source: Jürgen Meyer: "Hamburger Segelschiffe von 1795-1945"; ISBN 3-89225-400-1; Hamburg 1999; inside cover.
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 2 Apr 2007

Blue Initial

According to source Hamburg shipowners register provides evidence of the company's existence at least from 1841 until 1875. The white flag has a red - white bordure at three sides. In the centre is a blue, serifed initial "S".
Source: Otto Mathies: "Hamburgs Reederei 1814 - 1914", Hamburg 1924, p.13
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 9 Jul 2012

Befrachtungskontor Schoning

Befrachtungskontor Schoning GmbH & Co., Haren - horizontal BWB flag; on white black "BFS".
Image after Brown's Flags and Funnels Shipping Companies of the World, compiled by J.L. Loughran, Glasgow, 1995 [lgr95]
Jarig Bakker, 27 Nov 2005

Schrader & Wrede

Schrader & Wrede, Elbe See Bugsier Gesch.
The flag is a simple blue cross on white.
Jorge Candeias, 16 Dec 2004

Must be Schrader & Wrede (Hamburg), a tugboat operator. All I could find was this page charting the career of a tugboat which once (1901-1918) belonged to
this company.
Jan Mertens, 17 Dec 2004
Editorial note:
Company existed at least in 1897, because she is mentioned within "Gratis Beilage zu Deicken und Behrmann's Neuen Monatsheften Neue Ausgabe Sommer 1897" . Flag depicted there is matching the report of Jorge Candeias.
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 18 April 2012

Günther Schröder

The house flag of the Schröder-Linie or, officially, 'Friedrichstädter Grachten- u. Treeneschifffahrt Günther Schröder' (i.e. Günther Schröder Canals and Treene Shipping at Friedrichstadt). This tourist shipping enterprise is established - as the name says - at Friedrichtstadt, a little town on the River Eider, Schleswig-Holstein, Northern Germany. A drawing of house flag can be seen in the English version of the company website. Horizontally divided blue-white-red with ratio 1:3:1, black initials "SCH" in the white stripe, source found by clicking the second photo.
As you can see the civil flag of Schleswig-Holstein provided the basis:
Jan Mertens, 23 Oct 2009

Here is some further information about this tourist shipping company.
But first a link to a large drawing of the house flag.
Founded in 1971 by Günther Schröder who already had been active in tourist shipping and that year bought a vessel operated by Karl Foth, Friedrichstadt (house flag not known) and expanded gradually.
Friedrichtstadt on the Eider, founded to receive Dutch Protestant expatriates, has many navigable canals; a tributary river, the Treene, offers a view of picturesque landscapes and the possibility of visiting Schwabstedt, a health resort. Sailing on the Eider makes leisurely visits to Süderstapel and Tönning possible while longer trips to Kiel harbour and Rendsburg are also organized.
As usual various extras may be had such as dinner aboard, shanty singing, and romantic lantern excursions, but a feature most firms of this kind will not offer is hiring rowing or pedal boats! In all, seven canal ships are operated plus larger vessels for river use. Shipspotting offers a view of 'Wappen von Boizenburg' apparently flying a variant house flag which has a broader white stripe:
Jan Mertens, 28 Oct 2009

Richard Schröder

#45 Reederei Richard Schröder, Hamburg - flag per saltire blue and white; at hoist and fly red "RS".
From Scott, R.M., The Caltex book of Flags and Funnels, Capetown, Caltex Africa Ltd. (1959).
Jarig Bakker, 30 Dec 2004

Robert H. Schröder

The full name was "Reederei- und Frachtenkontor Robert H. Schröder GmbH". The company was located in Hamburg. In the centre of a red flag is a white lozenge fimbriated black. In the lozenge is a black inscription: "R.H.SCH".
Source:"Flaggen, Schornsteine, Reedereien- Flaggen und Schornsteine der deutschen Reedereien und ihre Schiffe über 300 BRT"; Hamburg 1957; p.F22
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 14 Apr 2009

B.J. Schuchmann Schiffshandel

The full name was "Schiffshandel jeglicher Art, Behrend-Janssen Schuchmann". The company was located in Hamburg. The translation of the company literally is "any kind of ship trading". The flag is divided per saltire into blue(top), red(bottom) and white. The whole is superimposed by a black capital "S". It was a company of Bugsier Reederei und Bergungs AG.
Source: "Flaggen, Schornsteine, Reedereien- Flaggen und Schornsteine der deutschen Reedereien und ihre Schiffe über 300 BRT"; Hamburg 1957; p.F25
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 13 Apr 2009

W.Schuchmann Reederei

W.Schuchmann Reederei
The company was located in Bremerhaven. It is a plain white flag with a big, black capital ?S? in ist centre.
Source:  ?Deutsche Reedereien und ihre Erkennungszeichen?; 2nd ed.; Hamburg; 1956; p.37.
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 9 Apr 2009

Gebr. Schürenstedt

The company was a German dockyard located in Bahrenfleth. The flag was blue. In the centre was a red lozenge fimbriated white containing a white inscription "GSB". The "S" had double height.
Source: I spotted an image of this flag at Turmweg fleemarket in Hamburg on 28 April 2007.
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 11 Jul 2012

Heinrich Schütt

The company was located in Wewelsfleth. It is a white flag. At the hoist is a blue trapezium, at the fly a red one rotated 180°. In the centre of the flag is a blue 5-point star containing a white capital "S".
Source: "Flaggen, Schornsteine, Reedereien- Flaggen und Schornsteine der deutschen Reedereien und ihre Schiffe über 300 BRT"; Hamburg 1957; p.F26
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 14 Apr 2009

N. H. P. Schuldt

The flag is quartered per saltire with the top quarter black, the bottom quarter red and the other two white. In the center there's a white 5-pointed star, with a broad border that I think is blue (and here's the only element of doubt in the flag). On the white quarters two black seriffed initials W and S complete the design.
The caption reads W. H. P. Schuldtdt. There's some doubt here as well: the W could also ne an N.
Jorge Candeias, 29 Dec 2004

image based on scan

J.H.T. Schupp

J.H.T. Schupp
The company was located in Hamburg. It is a white flag with a blue disc, fimbriated red, containing a white capital ?S?.
Source: Deutsche Reedereien und ihre Erkennungszeichen?; 2nd ed.; Hamburg; 1956; p.28.
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 9 Apr 2009

Victor Schuppe

Victor Schuppe
The company was located in Stettin. It was a white flag with blue, serifed, dotted capitals ?V.S.?.
Source: Arnold KLUDAS: Die Geschichte der deutschen Passagierschiffahrt (5 Bde.) Hamburg 1986; Reprint Laibach Slovenia-Buch Nr. 03617-8 Flagchart p.224.
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 17 Apr 2009

Franz Schwalbe

It is a blue flag with a white dotted inscription "F.S.".
Source: Gratis Beilage zu Deicken und Behrmann's Neuen Monatsheften Neue Ausgabe Sommer 1897
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 14 May 2012

A.H. Schwedersky

A.H. Schwedersky, Memel - white flag, blue cross formy. Memel is now Klaipeda in Lithuania.
Image after Brown's Flags and Funnels of British and Foreign Steamship Companies, compiled by F.J.N. Wedge, Glasgow, 1926 [wed26]
Jarig Bakker, 21 Jan 2005

A.H. Schwedersky Nachfahren

The company was located in Kiel. The flag is the same like that one of Nordische Reederei GmbH in Kiel.
Source: "Flaggen, Schornsteine, Reedereien- Flaggen und Schornsteine der deutschen Reedereien und ihre Schiffe über 300 BRT"; Hamburg 1957; p.F26
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 14 Apr 2009

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