Der Rittmeister Militaria LLC, Imperial German Merchandise, Page 14: Imperial German Air Service Nr 1: Artifacts, Personality Items, Groupings, Shoulder Boards, etc.      Updated on 2 September 2010.   Contact us @:rittmeister@tampabay.rr.com

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Documents, Groupings, & Autographed Photos

Special Aviation Grouping to include the ultra rare Ehrenbecher (Honor Goblet) and award document. Also included is the Prussian Army Pilot Badge and award document. But there is much MUCH more in this fabulous grouping. Read below and then look at the LARGE assortment of photographs. This is without a doubt THE most extensive aviation grouping that we have ever offered!!

14-366 XWB EHRENBECHER-WINNING PILOT’S DOCUMENT - ARTIFACT - PHOTOGRAPH. This grouping is a consignment from a very advanced collector. We sold this very grouping back in 1998. It was – then AND now – one of the most amazing, detailed aviation groupings that I have ever offered. I am very pleased that its owner for the last twelve years is allowing me to offer it again. Why am I so excited about it? First, its attributes are absolutely astounding, AND its completeness is exceptional. Second, items like it rarely become available these days. The items we are offering originally belonged to Offizierstellvertreter (Acting Officer) Ernst Herbert Beyer. I do not have much information about Beyer (this is a marvelous research opportunity). He was a pilot with a Bomber Squadron. I can attest that he survived WW I (information shows him alive at least until 1942).We are dividing our description of this amazing grouping into four sections. The first covers the artifacts and the documents connected to them. The second discusses artifacts NOT connected to documents. The third features various award documents WITHOUT the matching decorations. The last section details photographs of Beyer and his comrades. Naturally, we will include a prodigious number of photographs with the following descriptions!

*Ehrenbecher and Award Document.The Ehrenbecher für den Sieger im Luftkampfe (Honor Goblet for the Victor in the Air Battles) was one of the most prized awards for a WW I German pilot, observer, or gunner. The Ehrenbecher is a metal goblet that stands 7 3/4" tall. It measures 3 3/4" in diameter at the rim and 3" in diameter at its indented base. The base has four ball feet attached to it. The front displays a central panel, measuring 2 1/2" x 4," that depicts two eagles clasping each other in battle. The upper eagle clearly is the victor, as his opponent is on his back. The becher (cup) displays the caption "Dem Sieger im Luftkampf" (To the Air Battle’s Victor) around the indented base. [The Ehrenbecher was funded initially by Alfred Krupp of Krupp Industries]. Since it is an early-to-mid war example, the manufacturer’s and .800 silver hallmarks appear just above its caption. As WW I progressed, a greater number of victories were required to "earn" an Ehrenbecher. (I believe it took five victories near the war’s end). Not only did the award requirements change, so did the becher’s actual composition. When precious metals became scarce, a steel Ehrenbecher replaced the silver (just as Manfred von Richthofen had to replace his little silver victory cups with a base metal). Also, the cup’s bottom displays a special marking featuring an eagle and "Chefs des Feldflugwessens"(Chief of Field Aviation). The cup is VERY substantial and weighs 12.6 ounces. The even rarer award document accompanies the Ehrenbecher. It is four-sided, as are promotion patents. When unopened, it measures 12" x 9." When opened, it measures 12" x 17 3/4." The paper is actually more like velum, quite sturdy. At the top we see that the document was prepared at Grosses Hauptquartier on 27 May 1916. Next, Beyer’s name and rank are entered in by hand. Following that is the actual citation. The document has the unit stamp and bold signature of Oberstleutnant Thomsen. Thomsen was a PLM-winner and Generalleutnant von Hoeppner’s adjutant (von Hoeppner commanded the Imperial German Air Service). PLEASE NOTE: this pair is EXTREMELY rare. These days a silver Ehrenbecher can fetch nearly $10,000 on its own. The less-frequently-seen document, while not that expensive by itself (people like artifacts a bit more than documents), adds TREMENDOUS value to the honor goblet.

*Cased Pilot Watch with Prussian Army Pilot Badge. Pocket watches still were commonly used during WW I. Wristwatches were just becoming popular. The pocket watch comes in a brown leatherette case that measures 4" x 3" x 1." Attached to its outer lid is a Prinzengroße Prussian Army Pilot Badge. The badge measures 1 3/4" x 1 1/8." Inside the case is a white silk upper liner. The case’s deep-purple bottom half is fitted to accommodate a pocket watch. It also is elevated a few degrees to better display the watch. A heavy, silver-toned chain is draped around the watch. The pocket watch, which measures 2" in diameter, also sports a silver-toned casing. Its reverse displays a shield where initials often are engraved. (No engraving appears here). The watch face reveals its manufacturer’s markings, Bern Schule Radenberg. The watch CAN be wound. It does operate and the second hand (located at the bottom) sweeps. I tried pulling the stem out, but could not. I stopped trying, because I was afraid I might break it. I always recommend that the new owner have a watchmaker service any pocket watch we sell, IF he or she wants it operational. If the owner chooses to simply display it with the other items, naturally it needs no servicing.

*Watch Fob with Prussian Army Pilot Badge. This is a lovely watch fob with a miniature Prussian Army Pilot Badge attached. The watch fob’s ribbon, which measures 3 1/4" x 1 1/4," is made of black silk. The silk ribbon is looped so that its pointed ends are joined together. The loop’s top contains a rectangular, metal connecter attached to a very short chain that ends with the watch clasp. The attachment’s top displays a Prussian Army Pilot Badge on the ribbon’s front. A propeller extends horizontally through the badge, touching the ribbon’s outside edges. The miniature badge is roughly the size of those found on stickpins, measuring 3/4" x 1 1/4."

*Presentation Box to Herbert Beyer. This is a handsome silver-toned presentation box to Beyer. It measures 3 1/4" x 3 3/4" x 1 1/2." Its interior is lined with a thin wooden veneer. Its bottom is another piece of wood veneer framed by the box’s  metal edging. The metal exterior is somewhat tarnished, which tends to indicate some silver content is present. No obvious silver hallmarks are present, however, except for a "90" or "06" (depending on which way one looks at it) stamped on the bottom’s back metal edge. The box’s exterior is plain, except for a caption on its back panel that reads "Seinem l. Flugzeugführen z. Erg. a. unsere gemeinsamen Flüge vor Verdun, Reims u. Soisson v. seinem alten Beobachter Herbert Beyer." (We cannot give an exact translation, not being sure of the abbreviations’ definitions. Roughly, it is in remembrance of shared flights to Verdun, Reims and Soisson, either from or to some pilots and from or to his/their old observer, Herbert Bayer. Perhaps someone more cognizant of the abbreviations could help clear this up for us)?

*1914 Iron Cross 2^nd Class. This document and the 1914 Iron Cross 2^nd Class were awarded to Beyer on 25 March 1916, retroactive to 23 January 1916. The document measures 13" x 8 1/4." It is a very impressive document. Not only does it show Beyer is a member of Kampfgeshwader 2 O.H.L., but it is signed by the Chef des Feldflugwessens, Oberstleutnant Hermann Thomsen. Thomsen was Imperial German Air Service Commander Generalleutnant Ernst von Hoeppner’s deputy. Thomsen’s quite large and bold signature is in black ink. (Thomsen was a Pour le Mérite winner). To his name’s left is the Feldflugwessens’ unit stamp. It is a very important, rare document. The decoration is NOT included with it.

*1914 Iron Cross 1^st Class. This document and the 1914 Iron Cross 2^nd Class were awarded to Beyer on 20 July 1916 retroactive to 10 July 1916. The document measures 9 3/4" x 8 1/4." It is a very impressive document. Not only does it show Beyer is a member of Kampfgeshwader 2 O.H.L., but it is signed by the Chef des Feldflugwessens, Oberstleutnant Hermann Thomsen. Thomsen was Imperial German Air Service Commander Generalleutnant Ernst von Hoeppner’s deputy. Thomsen’s quite large and bold signature is in black ink. (Thomsen was a Pour le Mérite winner). To his name’s left is the Feldflugwessens’ unit stamp. It is a very important, rare document. The decoration is NOT included with it.

*Award Document for the Friedrich August Medaille in Silver: This is the award document for the Friedrich August Medaille in Silver. The document measures 12 1/4" x 7 1/2." It was awarded to Beyer on 28 February 1917. It specifically mentions Beyer and his squadron.

*Award Document for the Hindenburg Cross for Combatants. This is the award document for the Hindenburg Cross for Combatants. The document measures 5 3/4" x 8 1/4." It was issued by a Leipzig Police official on 27 July 1935. Also included is an advertisement intended for the Hindenburg Cross’s wearers. It advertised the ability to buy a Hindenburg Cross in a presentation case. The price was 1 Reichsmark. I believe I see where one could have it engraved for another .75 Reichsmark. The NSDAP (Nazi Party) is also mentioned.

*War Commemorative Medal - Bulgaria. This document was for Bulgaria’s War Commemorative Medal, and was issued on 16 January 1942. In WW I, Bulgaria was a member of the Central Powers. After WW I, Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Bulgaria all awarded commemorative medals to soldiers who saw action in WW I. The document, which measures 10" x 7," was issued to Beyer. It was the Bulgarian equivalent to the Hindenburg Cross. A transmittal note measuring 5 3/4" x 8 1/4 explaining the purpose of the decoration and who authorized it is included.

*TWELVE (total) original photographs are included. The photographs vary in size, measuring from a large of 6 1/4" x 4 1/2" to a small of 2 1/4" x 2 1/4." The photographs vary from groups of aviators (one can clearly see pilot badges and aviation shoulder straps) to aviators around their airplanes to simple photos of airplanes in flight. (I am unable to definitely identify Beyer).

This completes the description of our amazing grouping. You can wait for years to find another such complete group. [PLEASE NOTE: we are including a HUGE number of pictures for this grouping. Be sure to allow enough time for them to load properly in your browser]. $19,500.00

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19-82 ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPH - AUTOGRAPH - RITTMEISTER MANFRED FREIHERR von RICHTHOFEN. Arguably the single most important autograph coveted by collectors would be that of Rittmeister Manfred Freiherr von Richthofen. The legendary "Red Baron" ("Der Rote Kampfflieger" to the Germans) came to the Imperial German Air Service from the cavalry. He had graduated from military school before the beginning of WW I and had proudly joined an Ulanen Regiment (Ulanen-Regiment Kaiser Alexander III von Rußland (Westpreußisches) Nr 1). Beginning WW I on the Eastern Front, von Richthofen quickly realized that this would not be a war of cavalry charges--of men and their noble steeds facing the enemy, then charging with drawn swords. As the situation rapidly deteriorated to trench warfare, he realized that to charge this enemy he needed a "horse" with wings. Thus he sent a very impertinent letter to his commanding general requesting transfer to the Air Service. After all, he had not joined the cavalry to deliver cheeses! [Pretty cheeky for a young leutnant from the minor nobility in eastern Prussia]. Nevertheless, von Richthofen got his request and received his transfer. Manfred Von Richthofen started his career first as an observer, then wrangled his way into pilot training. His first efforts as a pilot were not exactly successful; he managed to crash his airplane! He did finally pass the course and was assigned to a squadron. At some point after this, Germany’s finest, most successful pilot, Oswald Boelcke, was allowed to institute the first Jagdstaffel. Dubbed Jastas for short, Boelcke’s idea was that single-seater scouts would be assigned to their own squadrons and have the flexibility to prey upon enemy aircraft. They were removed from observation duty (although they did often protect observation planes) and were unleashed on French and British aircraft. Prior to this single-seater planes were assigned to observation squadrons, and on a limited basis the pilots had been allowed to go out and harass enemy planes. Boelcke’s concept went far beyond this. He unleashed "hunting squadrons" on the unprepared enemy. This seems very basic to us but in 1916, barely a decade after the first recorded flight, this was a radical departure from what airplane usage had been prior to that time. Of course this change was heralded by the invention of the "interrupter gear," which allowed machine guns to fire through the blades of a propeller. As Boelcke organized his new squadron, he sought out eager young pilots whom he could mold to this new type of combat. His star pupil was, of course, Manfred von Richthofen. He was even once asked who his best pilot was and who held the greatest promise. Boelcke without a bit of hesitation indicated that it was von Richthofen. Boelcke was killed in a collision with one of his own pilots in October 1916. Von Richthofen witnessed this terrible event where his mentor perished with 40 confirmed victories to his credit. At the time of his death Boelcke had more than DOUBLE the number of his closest contemporary’s kills. Manfred von Richthofen achieved his 16^th victory in January 1917, and was awarded the coveted Pour le Mérite. He was assigned his own Jasta (Jasta 11), which to that point had been an under performing unit. Under his command a quick turnaround soon produced such famous aces as Kurt Wolff, Karl-Emil Schäfer, Karl Allmenröder, Ernst Udet, and Lothar von Richthofen. Such was Manfred von Richthofen’s success that he was given command of the first Fighter Wing, JG 1 (Jagdgeschwader Nr 1). This unit (made up of Jastas 4, 6, 10, and 11) with its brightly colored planes (including Manfred von Richthofen’s red Albatros D. Va and Fokker Dr 1 planes) became the "Flying Circus." Manfred von Richthofen was shot down in July 1917. He narrowly avoided death as he was shot in the head. The reality was that while he took several months to recover he was never the same person. He became morose, brooding and certain that he would not survive the war. He had seen most of the pilots noted above whom he had commanded fall in combat. His flying became erratic. Although he continued to do his duty, this was not the same Manfred von Richthofen of October 1916-July 1917. Finally, in April 1918 he attained his 80^th victory. He was put forward for the award of the Pour le Mérite with Oak Leaves. This was denied and he was instead awarded the Order of the Red Eagle 3^rd Class with Crown and Swords. General Erich von Ludendorff, von Hindenburg’s right arm, scoffed at this denial, saying von Richthofen was worth more than a division for what he did. Finally, on 21 April 1918, what von Richthofen had felt was coming caught up with him. He was shot down while pursuing what he felt was an easy score. Arguments rage to this day whether he was shot down by RAF pilot Roy Brown or Australian machine gunners on the ground. Like his hero Boelcke, who had a squadron named after him on his death (Jasta Boelcke) JG 1 was renamed for Richthofen. It was even carried forward as an elite unit in the Luftwaffe during WW II. Now that we have properly set the stage, today we offer you an original photograph (mounted on postcard stock) of Manfred von Richthofen in a formal parade that contains his autograph. This photograph shows a number of men in formation in stahlhelms before a number of senior officers, including generals. If one looks closely, the second man with a stahlhelm is none other than Manfred von Richthofen. He is wearing his famous Ulanka (tunic for an Ulanen) and on the tunic one can see his Prussian Pilot’s Badge. He is standing ramrod straight at attention. Below him his name can be clearly seen in black ink. The signature is quite clear and distinctive. I do not know at what point in the war this photograph was taken. This item is of particular interest as it is an ORIGINAL photograph, as opposed to one of the popular Sanke Cards that von Richthofen signed in great numbers. A story goes that the adjutant of JG 1 used to go into the country with a stack of the Rittmeister’s signed cards and traded them for food and wine! This is an excellent opportunity to acquire an autograph of the most famous airman of WW I, and one of Germany’s leading military heroes, no matter what era. $3,995.00. . Reduced to $3,495.00!!

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14-138 FRAMED PHOTOGRAPH OF MAX IMMELMANN. This is a simply marvelous larger format portrait photograph of Max Immelmann. The photograph measures 7 1/4" x 3 1/4" and is uniquely mounted in a period frame that would have hung from a wall and measures 12" x 8 1/4." The photograph is an original of one of the most popular of the Sanke Cards produced of Immelmann. It has him standing wearing a bayonet, Iron Cross 1^st Class, Prussian Pilot Badge, and a five-place medal bar. He is also holding his visor cap in his hands. This photo was most likely given to a family member or friend as it is signed in black on the obverse: "Max Dez. 1915." This would have been taken the month before he received the PLM. The portrait photograph is placed in the frame in a way that creates a shadow box effect. The frame, as mentioned previously, is a period type and the wood is brown. Between the brown molding and the gilt trim of the shadow box is a brown velvet that adds to the distinctive look of the frame. $2,495.00

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Aviation Related Artifacts

14-175 MESSAGE STREAMER USED FROM A GERMAN AIRPLANE. This is an unusual message streamer. It was flown from German airplanes to deliver written messages to German troops operating on the ground. This item is a red and white cloth that measures 29 1/2" x 8 3/4". There is a long metal-like spike, which gives the streamer some weight as it floats to the ground. The material is in very good condition. $395.00 . .

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14-367 XEM PRINZ HEINRICH FLUG SILVER SCHNAPPS CUP. This is a consignment item. It is a small silver schnapps cup that stands " tall. It measures " in diameter at the rim and " at the base. It has three small dents in different areas around the cup’s base. It is for the occasion of the Prinz Heinrich Flug (Prince Henry Flight, aka Prince Henry Circuit), which was held during the years 1911 through 1914. Prinz Heinrich (1862-1929) was the younger brother of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Prinz Heinrich was a Großadmiral in the Kaiserliche Marine (one of six ever created). He was in charge of Germany’s fleet, which fought against the Russians. He was a man interested by technical problems (which led to his interest in aviation and his service in the German auto industry after WW I). He also was a major patron of pre WW I aviation. He sponsored the Prinz Heinrich Flug, a military-related competition that was open only to Germans. The event was much like a cross country rally from one city to another. It was primarily for military officers and for military airplanes. An overall winner was crowned each year. It was a deadly competition and multiple deaths were common since planes sometimes crash. It also was very popular, with a festival-like atmosphere at many of the cities on the circuit. In 1914, the year in which this cup was awarded, the Prinz Heinrich Flug covered more than 1,000 miles, with stops in Berlin, Strasbourg, Cologne, Darmstadt, Frankfurt, etc. It had to be completed in six days. Twenty-six planes started, but due to stormy weather one pilot and three observers were killed. {This information was researched online with Google® under the term Prinz Heinrich Flug. The best information is in German}.

The cup’s obverse has a cypher and the date 1914. The reverse of the cup has the following:

The small cup’s bottom reveals the manufacturer’s and silver (.800) hallmarks. We also see the half moon and crown that indicate membership in the jewelers’ guild. $250.00

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Cigarette Cases and Cigarette Boxes

14-288 AVIATION-RELATED CIGARETTE BOX. This is a metal box measuring 3 1/4" x 5" x 1 1/4." At first glance one would think this box is made of a burled wood. In fact, it has been painted to give it just such an appearance. It is actually metal! Mounted on the lid is the propeller of an airplane. Some leaves are intertwined between the blades of the propeller and the center hub. This device is silver-toned. It looks most handsome affixed to the top of the box. Inside, the box is lined with cedar, which would have been ideal for protecting the freshness of tobacco products. Thus, this box probably was intended to hold cigarettes on the desk of an aviator. I cannot tell if this is wartime production or postwar. It is interesting and reasonably priced. $125.00

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21-47 XLD ZEPPELIN CIGARETTE CASE. This is a very high-quality cigarette case that has a full-sized Commemorative Airship Badge on the front. Also on the front of the case are the initials "HS," engraved in the upper left corner. There are some designs engraved into the exterior of the cigarette case. On the catch the case is marked Alpaca, which denotes that the makeup of the case is essentially nickel(German silver). Both elastic keepers in the interior of the case are present. The case has a nice patina to it. Overall, it is in fine condition. $1,050.00 Reduced to $895.00!!

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Aviation-Related Desk Items

14-256 TABLE MEDAL - EAST WEST TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT 1928. This is an ultra high quality table medal that commemorates the East to West Trans Atlantic Passage. This flight was made by pilots von Hünefeld and Hermann Köhl, who was a WW I PLM winner. The flight took place on 13 April 1928. It was actually more difficult than Charles Lindbergh's’s West to East trip, which, even today, is assisted by favorable tail winds. The reverse of the table medal shows the plane that was used. It also announces that the takeoff point was Bremen. The table medal is manufacturer hallmarked and silver hallmarked for .900 silver on the edge. $250.00 .

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Plates & Tableware

14-293 SOUP BOWL FOR PLM WINNER AND WWII LUFTWAFFE GENERAL ARTHUR LAUMANN. Arthur Laumann was born in 1894. When the war began in August 1914, Laumann volunteered and served in 3. Rheinisches Feld-Artillerie-Regiment Nr 83. (This regiment was newly raised in 1912 and garrisoned in Bonn-Düren). Having spent much of the war at the front, Laumann was finally accepted for pilot training in August 1917. In March 1918 he was posted to FA(A) 265. In May of 1918 he was transferred to single-seater service with Jasta 66. He briefly commanded this jasta as Jastaführer from July-August 1918. He was then honored to be transferred to Jasta 10, which was one of the four squadrons that had been assigned to JG 1 (later known as Jagdgeschwader Nr 1 Freiherr von Richthofen after the death of the famed ace in April 1918) under the initial command of Manfred von Richthofen. {Upon his death in April 1918 von Richthofen was succeeded by his hand-picked replacement, Wilhelm Reinhard. Reinhard was killed while testing aircraft in July 1918. The final commander of JG 1 was none other than Hermann Göring, who remained the commander until the armistice in November 1918. Interestingly prior to the air crash that took the life of Reinhard, the airplane was flown by Göring! Those of you who are fans of The Blue Max by Jack D. Hunter may find this similar to the crash of then Jastaführer Otto Heidemann immediately after Bruno Stachael flew the plane}. Returning to Laumann, after he joined JG 1 in August 1918 he received the 1914 Iron Cross 1^st Class and the Knight’s Cross with Swords of the Hohenzollern House Order in late September. On 25 October 1918 Laumann was awarded one of the last Orden’s Pour le Mérite given to a pilot. It was the last one awarded to a member of JG 1. Laumann finished the war with a total of TWENTY-EIGHT confirmed victories. Laumann rejoined the Luftwaffe in the 1930's and was an early commander of JG 26, which was the most famous of the Luftwaffe fighter wings during WW II. Toward the end of WW II he served as the Air Attache at the German embassies in Greece and Yugoslavia. He died in 1970. This soup bowl is 9 ½" in diameter. The bowl is one of amazing quality. It sports a magnificent gold trim at the edges with a wide band of black. A stylized "L" for Laumann appears on the black in gold. Underneath the bowl is manufacturer hallmarked, but I do not recognize the firm which produced it. This is an important artifact from a well-known WW I fighter pilot and a member of JG 1 during the final months of the Great War. $425.00 . . .

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14-267 BAVARIAN BEER STEIN FOR FELDFLIEGER ABTEILUNG Nr 7. This is an attractive example of a beer stein from one of the early war Bavarian squadrons, Feldflieger Abteilung Nr 7. This stein is quite large. It holds a full litre, compared to most steins and krugs that we see that hold half a litre. This stein stands 11" tall. It has a marvelous exterior topped by a pewter lid. Its thumb opening device features a rampant Bavarian Lion. Engraved on the lid is "Zum Andenken a. s. Kameraden (In Remembrance of our Comrades)." Hand painted on the exterior of the stein is a shield, topped by a crown. It has a propeller through its center. Below that appears the inscription "Bayr. Feld-Flieger=Abt. 7." On the bottom of the stein we see that it was manufactured by Mettlach. Due to the markings on the base it is very likely that this stein was manufactured in the 1920's or 1930's, as opposed to during WW I. It is in excellent condition and shows honest age and wear. $1,350.00

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14-197 WW I AVIATION PLATES. This is a most unusual set of three plates that features a German biplane in flight. It appears to be an early war observation plane with a two man crew aboard. The plates are white with a blue border around the edge. In the 12 o’clock position appears the airplane with the initials M. F. S. around it. The reverse of each piece indicates that it was manufactured by the firm of Rosenthal from Bavaria. Under that appears "Franz Kreski Bromberg," which may have been the store that sold them, but I am not sure about this. There are three plates in the set, two of them are dinner size plates which are 9 3/4" in diameter. The third is oval shaped and would measure 10 ½" x 6 3/4" at the widest points. The plates are well used (signs of use in the center from meals is evident where forks, knives or spoons were used), but the blue border and the airplane motif are in exceptional condition. I would estimate these plates to be from 1913-1917. A unique aviation item from the war. I would prefer to sell these as a group but would consider selling them individually. Please call or write for a price on an individual piece. $395.00

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Miscellaneous Items

14-319 BAVARIAN AVIATION STICKPIN. This is an unusual, aviation-related, Bavarian stickpin. The badge it is based on generally is portrayed as a mobilization badge used in 1914 before WW I’s beginning. A legitimate Prussian flight badge also employs the same theme. While I have not seen the Bavarian mobilization badge, I feel this stickpin is the same variation. The miniature badge atop the stickpin measures 1" x 1/2." Its Wittelsbach Crown is open and of amazingly high quality. The pin is knurled, which is typical of high-grade stickpins. It is hallmarked on the reverse for the firm Lerch. It is also hallmarked for silber and .950. This is an ultra-high-quality stickpin that I first owned about ten years ago, and recently reacquired it. $475.00

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14-323 XJB BAVARIAN FLYERS’ ASSOCIATION BADGE. This is a consignment item. This is a badge for a veteran who was a member of a Bavarian Flyer’s Association. It is very well made and measures 1" x  1 1/2." On the reverse we see that it was manufactured by Deschler of Munich. $295.00

 

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14-317 AVIATION DONATION BADGE. During the Imperial German Period, the German people were very supportive of aviation efforts. Graf Ferdinand von Zeppelin turned to the German people for financial support when one of his zeppelins crashed and was destroyed. Zeppelin Spende Tags were quite popular in Germany, and large amounts of money were raised. The same thing was done to help raise money for airplanes.  Today we offer a different variation of an aviation donation medal. The example is made of zinc. It shows an early, two-winged aircraft. The medal measures 1 1/2" in diameter. Attached to the medal is a ribbon with three rows of black, and two of white. On the back of the ribbon a small eyelet is sewn in to allow it to hang from a garment. It is an intriguing variation. $75.00

 

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14-312 CLOCK IN AIRPLANE PROPELLER’S CENTER. Today we offer a rather unusual piece. It is constructed from pieces of a propeller. The main piece is the propeller’s center, including the hub. The main piece measures 15 ½" x 8" x 4 ½." A circular brass disc measures 6 ½" in diameter. Six large bolts appear on the disc. In the center of the disc is a space that measures 2 ½" in diameter. Inside this space a small alarm clock has been installed that measures 2 3/4" in diameter. The central portion of the display rests on four pieces of propeller that have been fashioned into legs. These four legs are in turn attached to the base, which is also a part of a propeller. The stand is 15 ½" x 5 1/4" x 3/4." On the stand, the propeller display is 15 3/4" tall. It is a rather impressive piece. The graining to the various parts of the propeller that have been glued together is quite handsome. The alarm clock does tick when I wind it. I am unable to set it, however. Thus, we must consider this a static display, unless the new owner wants to tinker with the eliciting clock or replace it with another. In a manner of speaking, this might be considered an offshoot of trench art. That said, it is VERY unusual to see such a large piece like this. It is very striking to look at. For you aviation collectors, it is a nifty piece. $1,195.00

 

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14-65 1912 AVIATION DONATION DAY MEDAL. In Germany both before and during the war there was a tremendous interest in some of the newer services of the armed forces. This included the zeppelin, submarine, and air services. Count von Zeppelin was always receiving donations from the general public to help finance his efforts, especially when his airships crashed and he needed to start over again. The interest in supporting U-boat development and airplanes was equally as robust. This medal was given in 1912 to people who donated money to the cause. The obverse features an eagle in flight and the reverse has National Flugspende 1912. I have had perhaps two of these in the past, but I have never seen what the ribbon looked like until now. It is quite tattered as it was made of silk with a single large band of white flanked by two smaller black bands. Attached to the top is the original small safety pin which was attached the medal to a person’s clothing. The bronze toned medal is in excellent shape and perhaps if the original ribbon had been made of cotton or something other than silk it would have held up better. A really interesting pre war item of aviation in Germany. $95.00.

 

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14-49 PATRIOTIC PIN WITH THE FLIEGERTRUPPEN DEVICE. This very long pin is about 4" wide. It has a metal winged propeller as used on officer shoulder boards which has been soldered to a cross piece. A very well made patriotic piece for a wife, sweetheart, etc. $150.00.

 

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14-196 COIN PURSE WITH AVIATION SCENE. This is a small leather change purse which has a silver scene showing a plane flying over the country side as seen on the Prussian Pilot Badge. In very nice condition. $150.00

 

 

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14-260 FRAMED REPRODUCTION OF PRUSSIAN ARMY PILOT BADGE. While I cannot say with certainty when this was produced, this is a framed representation of a Prussian Army Pilot Badge. From the look of the framing, I would say that it is at least 20 years old and possibly even older. The pilot badge, while full size, does not appear to be full depth. I cannot say if it was made from a metal of some sort or if it is possibly a resin casting. It does have pleasant detail and is very attractive. The frame that encloses the pilot badge measures 5 1/4" x 5 1/4." It would be more accurately described as a shadow box arrangement. There are no mounting hooks on the reverse, but that would be easy enough to remedy. It also can stand on its own on a table, desk, or book case. $75.00

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14-365 XJB PENDANT - AIRCRAFT. This is a consignment item. It is a circular pendant that measures 1" in diameter. The central theme shows an airplane with one wing and two men. The forward man is firing a machine gun. On the reverse, we find the manufacturer’s and .800 silver hallmarks. $95.00

 

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14-346 DOORSTOP SHAPED - FRENCH SPAD OR NIEUPORT.  This is a doorstop, which keeps a door from moving or from slamming shut. It dates to the 1920's or 1930's. The doorstop is configured like a French Spad or Nieuport. It measures 20" long and 9 1/2" tall. Areas at the wheel and at the tail allow the clever device to sit smoothly on the floor. It is heavy, weighing a total of 5 lbs. It is in very good condition and would look great holding the door to your study or collecting room. I would use it myself, but I have a thundering herd of cats who drive me crazy running in and out. It is absolutely charming. There will be extra shipping due to the weight of this item. $195.00

 

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Links to Our Pages

Der Rittmeister Merchandise Pages:	(Click on Pictures or Words)
Badges: Wound, Veterans', Shooting Prizes, etc.	Bala's Bargain Bin: Sale and Discounted Items
Boxes (Patriotic) & Cigarette Cases	Bronzes, Busts & Figurines
Colonial Memorabilia	Desk Pieces and Accessories
Documents Nr 1: Awards/Decorations Included	Documents Nr 2: Patents, etc. (Paper Only)
Field Gear and Soldiers' Personal Effects	Flags, Banners and Accessories
Flight Qualification Badges (Imperial)	Imperial German Air Service Nr 1:Artifacts,  Personality Items, Groupings, Shoulder Boards
Imperial German Air Service Nr 2: Documents, Books, etc.	Imperial German Headdress Nr 1: Pickelhauben
Imperial German Headdress Nr 2: Busbies, Mützen,Tschapkas, Visor Caps, etc.	ImperiaI German Headdress Nr 3: Reference Materials, Guides, Cd's and DvD's
Imperial German Music on CD	Iron Crosses & Related Materials
Just In from Germany: Newest Items! ALL items start here!	Kyri's Kurio Korner: More Sale and Discounted Items
Medal Bars & Ribbon Bars	Miniatures & Boutonnieres
Navy, (Imperial German): Documents, Swords & Daggers, Badges, Cap Tallies, Books	Orders & Decorations Nr 1: Four Major German Kingdoms & Central Powers, Post War Items
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Paper and Wood Artifacts:Books,Photos,Albums, Maps, and Artworks (framed paintings)	Patriotic Domesticware Nr 1: Fine Tableware, Steins, Glassware & Porcelain
Patriotic Domesticware Nr 2: Wooden, Metal, Cloth & Embroidered  Household Items	Patriotic Jewelry Nr 1: Rings, Bracelets, Pendants, etc.
Patriotic Jewelry Nr 2: Pins	Postcards Nr 38:Imperial German Royalty & Nobility, Central Powers Royalty & Nobility, and Allied Powers Royalty & Nobility.
Postcards Nr 40: Photo Albums, Original Photographs, and Cartes Des Viste.	Postcards Nr 42:Imperial German Air Service and All Aviation-Related.
Postcards Nr 43:Imperial German Armed Service and All Army-Related.	Postcards Nr 44:Kaiserliche Marine and All Navy-Related.
Ranglistes: Imperial German Army & Navy and other Imperial German References on CD	Royalty & Nobility (Imperial German):Personality Items,  Swords & Daggers, Portraits, Memorabilia
Shoulder Boards	Signed Photos, Documents & Autographs of the German Military, Nobility and Royalty
Stickpins	Swords & Edged Weapons
Table Medals	Uniforms & Related Accessories
Vivat Ribbons	Wooden Display Products (Helmet & Visor Stands)
Zeppelin & Balloon Memorabilia

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