S.M.S. Nassau Ship Tally with Period Postcard, Imperial German Navy

This grouping consists of an original Imperial German Navy ship tally bearing the woven designation “S.M.S. NASSAU,” accompanied by a contemporary color postcard depicting the battleship S.M.S. Nassau under way. The ship tally is constructed of black woven fabric with white block lettering, consistent with pre–First World War and early wartime Kriegsmarine practice. The lettering is crisply rendered, with even spacing and correct punctuation, indicating period manufacture rather than a later souvenir reproduction. The fabric shows expected age softening, light creasing, and minor surface wear, with no evidence of modern stitching, reinforcement, or replacement material.

The postcard shows the battleship S.M.S. Nassau in profile at sea, rendered in period color lithography. The ship name “S.M.S. ‘Nassau’” appears printed at the upper left of the image. The reverse is postcard-formatted and includes printed technical specifications in German, listing dimensions, displacement, horsepower, speed, and construction details, including construction by the AG “Weser” yard in Bremen between 1906 and 1909. The card remains unused, with no writing, address, or postal markings, and shows light toning, edge wear, and minor surface spotting consistent with age.

S.M.S. Nassau was the lead ship of the Nassau-class battleships and represented Germany’s first true dreadnought design, marking a major shift in Imperial German naval power during the pre-war naval arms race. Ship tallies bearing specific capital ship names were worn by sailors assigned to those vessels and are among the most personal and evocative identifiers of naval service in the Imperial period. Tallies tied to named capital ships are significantly scarcer than generic navy tallies, particularly when retaining clear legibility.

For collectors, the pairing of a named ship tally with a period postcard of the same vessel creates a cohesive and highly displayable grouping that directly connects the material culture of the sailor with the visual identity of the ship itself. Such combinations are increasingly difficult to assemble organically and are strongly sought after within Imperial German naval collecting.

Condition is honest and original throughout. The tally shows age wear, creasing, and minor fraying consistent with period use but remains intact and fully readable. The postcard shows light toning and minor edge wear, with no major creases or losses. No repairs or alterations are observed.