Nazi Reichsadler

The Reichsadler is a heraldic eagle symbol used throughout German history, used historically by the Holy Roman Empire. Versions of this eagle symbol appear in the current coats of arms of Germany and Austria.

Given the frequency of eagles in heraldic imagery and flags in Europe and internationally, the appearance of a figure that may resemble the Nazi Reichsadler should always be carefully identified and evaluated in context.

Specific versions of the Reichsadler were used by the Nazis and continue to be used by contemporary neo-Nazis:

• The primary Nazi Reichsadler featured a styled eagle, facing left from the viewer, with a swastika underneath it; this eagle featured six feathers at the end of each wing

• The Nazi party eagle (parteiadler) used a similar design, usually with the eagle facing right from the viewer; variants include an eagle with three feathers on each wing (pictured). 

Versions of the Reichsadler used by neo-Nazis do not always include the swastika, and sometimes insert other symbols.