rittmeister@earthlink.netDer
Rittmeister Militaria, LLC. Content Page: Biographical Information. Updated on 9 January 2010.
Contact us @: rittmeister@earthlink.net
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We have an office in Germany 0049 (0)4104-962028!!
DER RITTMEISTER MILITARIA LLC is named in honor of World War I's original "Rittmeister," Baron Manfred von Richthofen. Rittmeister is primary translated as "Captain of the Horse." The cavalry retained this title for their captains. Von Richthofen began the war as an Uhlan Regiment (lance carriers who were considered light cavalry) lieutenant (leutnant) prior to entering the Imperial German Air Service (he had been "de-horsed" to serve in the trenches). When he rose to the level of Air Service Captain, he retained his "Rittmeister" rank (rather than changing to "Hauptmann"), because he was still considered an Uhlan. (When first reassigned, all transfers into the Imperial German Air Service retained their original regimental ranks).
Manfred von Richthofen was Germany's leading ace, a dedicated hunter/pilot who scored 80 confirmed victories before he was killed on April 21, 1918. The star pupil of Oswald Boelcke, the father of air combat tactics, von Richthofen is the most written-about German fighter-pilot of either World War. In addition to "Der Rittmeister," von Richthofen was known as the "Red Baron" (Der Rote Kampfflieger) because of his penchant for flying an all-red plane. He remains extremely popular, with his autograph being the most sought-after and expensive of any 20th century German figure.
In emulation of the great Red Baron, Der Rittmeister Militaria strives for excellence in the items we sell and the service we provide.
The Development of a Militaria Dealer
I'm Kenneth (Ken) J. Greenfield, currently of New Port Richey, Florida, located on the West Coast of Florida in the Tampa Bay area. I started out as a collector of Imperial German Militaria, particularly items dealing with the Imperial German Air Service in the early 1960's. After more than forty years of avid collecting, I began to sell a few items to upgrade my collection and help finance my collecting "habit." I attended militaria shows, both to buy and sell. I wanted to spend more time at home and less traveling for the national companies that I had worked for; so, starting my own business seemed like an attractive alternative. I like nothing better than talking with others about militaria, and introducing newcomers to the joys of owning a "piece of history."
This is a photo of Eduard Ritter von Schleich, also known as the "Black Knight of Germany," a World War I flying ace and winner of the Orden Pour le Mérite (Blue Max). I am privileged to have some of his war memorabilia in my personal collection: his presentation Pour le Mérite (shown in this photograph) and a Luftwaffe Honor presentation ring given to him by his old time "kamerad," and fellow Bavarian, Hermann Göring.
Soon, my collecting had been transformed into an interesting side business that I continue to thoroughly enjoy. I like to think of those who purchase items from me as fellow collectors and friends, not just customers---people who are sharing their passion for history and the fine workmanship of days-gone-by.
In 1997, I began to make several trips a year to Germany to replenish my inventory. In the years since then I have made some great contacts in Europe. In many cases, I purchase items from the same people who make purchases for museums. This means I have a constant source of new items, and the ability to find items for my clients that I may not currently stock. Since approximately 99% of my inventory comes from Germany, this means that most of my items are uncirculated in the United States. I offer the collector newer and more unusual material than what he might find from other dealers, either on the Internet or at militaria shows. In between my personal visits to Germany, I have constant shipments arriving from all over Germany. This is possible due to the extensive network of contacts I have developed.
I welcome inquiries about my list of items for sale. I also enjoy the chance to discuss militaria with fellow enthusiasts and those who would like to learn more about this fascinating hobby. Due to the volume of e-mail (literally HUNDREDS every day) I receive, I cannot answer EVERY question or identify items from photographs that you send me. I do offer a consulting service where, for a modest fee, I will evaluate your item(s) and even provide a formal appraisal on my letterhead. I hope you will understand this. I spend at least six hours a day reading e-mail, in addition to writing descriptions of items that I am offering and communicating with my suppliers in Germany. Also, PLEASE do not ask me to identify or answer questions on Non Imperial German items - especially Third Reich items. I have no information about them and cannot respond to such inquiries.
Contact me by e-mail at
PS: Want to meet the man whose work greatly influenced my love of WW I German Aviation? Jump to our JACK HUNTER page, and read about the late, great author.
Links to Our Pages
Der Rittmeister Content Pages:
 Click here
for our Home Page |
 Click for the Order Information Page |
 Click here for Our Biography Page |
 Click here to Meet the late, great Jack Hunter |
Click here for Links to
our Merchandise & Content Pages. This is just a sample of the wide
variety of high quality items that we offer in our ever changing inventory!
