Luftwaffe gun camera footage.
A majority of my collection centers around the German Luftwaffe. While I do not believe in the political ideologies of the
Third Reich leadership, I have a great admiration for the German aviators. Unlike their American counter-parts, the
German aviators did not operate on a "tour schedule" or a set number of missions before they were allowed to return
home. Luftwaffe pilots often flew until the war ended or serious injury or death removed them from their combat units.
This can attest to the amazing number of air victories achieved by Luftwaffe pilots during the war.
Below are thumbnails of just a few of the Luftwaffe items in my collection. The highlight being a number of original, war
time documents and photographs related to the testing and development of the ME-163 Komet at Peenemunde, all of
which have been ID'd and attributed to Luftwaffe test pilot and engineer, Bernard Hohmann.
Third Reich leadership, I have a great admiration for the German aviators. Unlike their American counter-parts, the
German aviators did not operate on a "tour schedule" or a set number of missions before they were allowed to return
home. Luftwaffe pilots often flew until the war ended or serious injury or death removed them from their combat units.
This can attest to the amazing number of air victories achieved by Luftwaffe pilots during the war.
Below are thumbnails of just a few of the Luftwaffe items in my collection. The highlight being a number of original, war
time documents and photographs related to the testing and development of the ME-163 Komet at Peenemunde, all of
which have been ID'd and attributed to Luftwaffe test pilot and engineer, Bernard Hohmann.
WWII Luftwaffe Flight Helmets: (From left to right)
1. Model LKp W 101 Winter Flight Helmet, complete with all radio components and throat microphones, shown with Leitz style flight goggles
dated 1939. 2. Model LKp N 101Netting Flight Helmet, complete with all radio components and throat microphones, shown with Uvex style
flight goggles. 3. Winter Flight Helmet Model K33, shown with Leitz flight goggles dated 1940. 4. Summer Weight, FK34 Flight Crew Helmet
with early style Auer motorcycle/aviation goggles. 5) Model LKp S 101 Summer Flight Helmet, complete with all radio components and throat
microphones, shown with Leitz style flight goggles. (A special thank you to Geoff at www.oldnautibits.com for helping me to complete this kit.)
1. Model LKp W 101 Winter Flight Helmet, complete with all radio components and throat microphones, shown with Leitz style flight goggles
dated 1939. 2. Model LKp N 101Netting Flight Helmet, complete with all radio components and throat microphones, shown with Uvex style
flight goggles. 3. Winter Flight Helmet Model K33, shown with Leitz flight goggles dated 1940. 4. Summer Weight, FK34 Flight Crew Helmet
with early style Auer motorcycle/aviation goggles. 5) Model LKp S 101 Summer Flight Helmet, complete with all radio components and throat
microphones, shown with Leitz style flight goggles. (A special thank you to Geoff at www.oldnautibits.com for helping me to complete this kit.)
Luftwaffe Headgear (L to R): 1. WWII Luftwaffe enlisted mans sidecap, shown with an original era photo postcard
showing an enlisted man wearing the same style sidecap. 2. An original, WWII Luftwaffe Tropical Pith helmet
(Tropenhelm), dated 1940 with a Berlin makers mark from Otto Muller. This early war pith helmet is shown displayed
with an original pair of Augenshutzer model 1942 dust goggles. This helmet is a recent addition to my collection and is
in excellent shape with minor wear and honest signs of use.
showing an enlisted man wearing the same style sidecap. 2. An original, WWII Luftwaffe Tropical Pith helmet
(Tropenhelm), dated 1940 with a Berlin makers mark from Otto Muller. This early war pith helmet is shown displayed
with an original pair of Augenshutzer model 1942 dust goggles. This helmet is a recent addition to my collection and is
in excellent shape with minor wear and honest signs of use.
Above: Several photographs showing a beautiful example of a Luftwaffe NCO visor cap with yellow piping for flight.
This visor cap is in terrific condition, 100% original, maker marked by Franz Ritter and dated 1939. Also shown (to the
left) is an original photo in my collection showing a similar visor cap being worn in a studio portrait photo of a Luftwaffe
soldier.
This visor cap is in terrific condition, 100% original, maker marked by Franz Ritter and dated 1939. Also shown (to the
left) is an original photo in my collection showing a similar visor cap being worn in a studio portrait photo of a Luftwaffe
soldier.
Above: A Luftwaffe issued winter cap. This example has the ear flaps folded upwards and secured with a
pebbled button to the back of the head. All original with one period repair. The photograph to the left shows
a Stuka crew wearing the same style of cap.
pebbled button to the back of the head. All original with one period repair. The photograph to the left shows
a Stuka crew wearing the same style of cap.
Left: Photograph showing an original German Luftwaffe combat helmet in my collection. This Luftwaffe helmet is
complete with the original liner and chin strap. The photograph above shows the terrific detail that went into the
Luftwaffe decal on the side of the helmet.
complete with the original liner and chin strap. The photograph above shows the terrific detail that went into the
Luftwaffe decal on the side of the helmet.
WWII Flyers Dagger (Fliegerdolch): Two views of a nickel, Luftwaffe officers
dagger, instituted in 1934, that was worn by officers, NCOs with portepee and officer
candidates. This is a beautiful SMF maker marked dagger, complete with original
scabbard and hangers.
dagger, instituted in 1934, that was worn by officers, NCOs with portepee and officer
candidates. This is a beautiful SMF maker marked dagger, complete with original
scabbard and hangers.
Luftwaffe K98 Dress Bayonet: Shown
complete with original brown leather frog and
accurate knot. This dress bayonet is Eickhorn
maker marked.
complete with original brown leather frog and
accurate knot. This dress bayonet is Eickhorn
maker marked.
General Willi Harmjanz
Above: Pictured is a wood and silver metal cigarette case with inscription relating its origin to a Luftwaffe
reconnaissance squadron. The inscription reads "Aufklarungsgruppe 114, Staffel 3, Weihnachten 1936" and
translates as:
Reconnaissance Group 114, 3rd Squadron, Christmas 1936. Speculation is that this was a remembrance gift to an
officer who had served with this squadron.
Luftwaffe Reconnaissance Squadron 114 was formed in Munster, Germany on April 1, 1936. The primary aircraft
of this unit was the Heinkel HE-45 and the Heinkel HE-46.
reconnaissance squadron. The inscription reads "Aufklarungsgruppe 114, Staffel 3, Weihnachten 1936" and
translates as:
Reconnaissance Group 114, 3rd Squadron, Christmas 1936. Speculation is that this was a remembrance gift to an
officer who had served with this squadron.
Luftwaffe Reconnaissance Squadron 114 was formed in Munster, Germany on April 1, 1936. The primary aircraft
of this unit was the Heinkel HE-45 and the Heinkel HE-46.
Left/Above: This is a Luftwaffe, 2nd prize shooting competition
award given to Feldwebel Kenzler. The awarded was given for a
competition held on June 28, 1938. The attached plaque reads as
follows:
"2 Preiss, im Uffz. - SchieBen der Fliegerhorst - Komp. Feldwebel
Kenzler Weimar-Nohra 28.6.38"
"2nd prize in the NCO shooting competition of airfield company,
Sergeant Kenzler, Weimar-Nohra June 28, 1938."
This particular award sits atop a marble base, with the eagle and rock
sculpture being attached to the base through hardware going up through
the bottom of the marble.
award given to Feldwebel Kenzler. The awarded was given for a
competition held on June 28, 1938. The attached plaque reads as
follows:
"2 Preiss, im Uffz. - SchieBen der Fliegerhorst - Komp. Feldwebel
Kenzler Weimar-Nohra 28.6.38"
"2nd prize in the NCO shooting competition of airfield company,
Sergeant Kenzler, Weimar-Nohra June 28, 1938."
This particular award sits atop a marble base, with the eagle and rock
sculpture being attached to the base through hardware going up through
the bottom of the marble.
Above/Right: This is a Luftwaffe shooting competition award given to
Feldwebel Radziwill. The awarded was given for a competition held on June
28, 1937, one year earlier than the award above for the same competition.
The attached plaque reads as follows:
"Dem Sieger im Uffz. Schicßen d. Fliegerhorst-Komp. Feldw. Ridziwill, gew.
v. Hpt. (E) Thomas [or Thomos], WEimar-Nohra 28.6.37 "
This particular award sits atop a shaved and polished rock base. The award
is all original and obtained directly from a seller in Germany, along with the
award shown above.
Feldwebel Radziwill. The awarded was given for a competition held on June
28, 1937, one year earlier than the award above for the same competition.
The attached plaque reads as follows:
"Dem Sieger im Uffz. Schicßen d. Fliegerhorst-Komp. Feldw. Ridziwill, gew.
v. Hpt. (E) Thomas [or Thomos], WEimar-Nohra 28.6.37 "
This particular award sits atop a shaved and polished rock base. The award
is all original and obtained directly from a seller in Germany, along with the
award shown above.
Medals, Badges, Insignia and more.......:
Several photos showing various Luftwaffe items. All of the medals, awards, ribbons and medal and badge cases are
original WWII era items as issued.
original WWII era items as issued.
Various WWII German Medals: (Above, Left to right) East Front (Russian
Front) Medal, Narvik and Kuban Campaign Shields on Luftwaffe backing, Iron
Cross Second Class with original issue packet and 1939 Spange, Iron Cross
Second Class Court Mounted, different classes of the War Merit Cross, and
Second Class Luftschutz Medal with original issue box and extra ribbon.
Front) Medal, Narvik and Kuban Campaign Shields on Luftwaffe backing, Iron
Cross Second Class with original issue packet and 1939 Spange, Iron Cross
Second Class Court Mounted, different classes of the War Merit Cross, and
Second Class Luftschutz Medal with original issue box and extra ribbon.
Gold Silver Bronze Miniature
The German Mother's Cross of Honor:
During the Third Reich, each year on August 12th (the date of Hitler's mother's birthday), German mothers who had "given children to the Reich"
were honored with the German Mother's Cross of Honor. The mother's cross was awarded in three grades:
Bronze: given to German mothers with four children.
Silver: given to German mothers with six or seven children.
Gold: given to German mothers with eight or more children.
The German Mother's Cross in Gold and Diamonds was awarded to German mothers with ten or more children. Hitler always acted as the
honorary godfather. Members of the Hitler Youth organization were expected to salute mothers wearing any class of the German Mother's Cross.
By 1939 around three million German mothers had been so decorated with these awards. These awards were commonly referred to as the "Order
of the Rabbit'" award.
Shown in the photos above are the German Mother's Crosses in my collection. From left to right: German Mother's Cross in Gold
in original issue case, German Mother's Cross in Silver, German Mother's Cross in Bronze and a miniature Silver class cross for
lapel wear.
During the Third Reich, each year on August 12th (the date of Hitler's mother's birthday), German mothers who had "given children to the Reich"
were honored with the German Mother's Cross of Honor. The mother's cross was awarded in three grades:
Bronze: given to German mothers with four children.
Silver: given to German mothers with six or seven children.
Gold: given to German mothers with eight or more children.
The German Mother's Cross in Gold and Diamonds was awarded to German mothers with ten or more children. Hitler always acted as the
honorary godfather. Members of the Hitler Youth organization were expected to salute mothers wearing any class of the German Mother's Cross.
By 1939 around three million German mothers had been so decorated with these awards. These awards were commonly referred to as the "Order
of the Rabbit'" award.
Shown in the photos above are the German Mother's Crosses in my collection. From left to right: German Mother's Cross in Gold
in original issue case, German Mother's Cross in Silver, German Mother's Cross in Bronze and a miniature Silver class cross for
lapel wear.
Luftwaffe Marksmanship Lanyard (Grade 1) with original wartime photo showing
Luftwaffe soldier wearing the same grade of the award. The photo on the right is a war
time portrait photo in my collection, showing another Luftwaffe soldier wearing his
Marksmanship Lanyard. These were awarded to individual soldiers for proficiency in
shooting everything from personal weapons to flak guns.
Luftwaffe soldier wearing the same grade of the award. The photo on the right is a war
time portrait photo in my collection, showing another Luftwaffe soldier wearing his
Marksmanship Lanyard. These were awarded to individual soldiers for proficiency in
shooting everything from personal weapons to flak guns.
Various Luftwaffe insignia items including Luftwaffe
Long Service Award, Narvik Shield, Luftwaffe
stickpin and Luftwaffe Flak War Badge.
Long Service Award, Narvik Shield, Luftwaffe
stickpin and Luftwaffe Flak War Badge.
For additional information about the ME-163 Komet grouping, see the
new ME-163 Komet page by clicking here!!!
new ME-163 Komet page by clicking here!!!
A nice example of a Luftwaffe Wehrpass issued to a Luftwaffe soldier.
Wehrpass is complete with entries and an original postcard sized photo of
the soldier it was issued to.
Wehrpass is complete with entries and an original postcard sized photo of
the soldier it was issued to.
Deutsches Militärisches Porzellan und Steingut: Some of the most beautiful items created by Germany prior to and during the
war were porcelain and stoneware items, usually commemorating military service time or special events. Above are two, Luftwaffe, pre-war
military service steins in my collection. The stein on the left is from a soldier who served with 9/Kampfgeschwader General Wever Squadron,
dated 1937, with a Flying Technical Personnel lid. The stein on the right is a remembrance stein for a gentleman who served in a Heavy Flak
unit, stationed in Koblenz between 1936 and 1938, with the traditional Luftwaffe eagle lid. Both are original, pre-war era steins.
war were porcelain and stoneware items, usually commemorating military service time or special events. Above are two, Luftwaffe, pre-war
military service steins in my collection. The stein on the left is from a soldier who served with 9/Kampfgeschwader General Wever Squadron,
dated 1937, with a Flying Technical Personnel lid. The stein on the right is a remembrance stein for a gentleman who served in a Heavy Flak
unit, stationed in Koblenz between 1936 and 1938, with the traditional Luftwaffe eagle lid. Both are original, pre-war era steins.
Another interesting piece, this is a Luftwaffe
wartime beer goblet which translates as follows:
"Wartime Christmas 1939, Military Airfield
Company, Neubiberg"
The reverse side of this goblet as the name of Flg.
Liebl Hobert in faint, faded lettering. The goblet is
made of heavy, grayish glass with remnants of gold
around the top edge of the glass showing honest
wear and use.
wartime beer goblet which translates as follows:
"Wartime Christmas 1939, Military Airfield
Company, Neubiberg"
The reverse side of this goblet as the name of Flg.
Liebl Hobert in faint, faded lettering. The goblet is
made of heavy, grayish glass with remnants of gold
around the top edge of the glass showing honest
wear and use.
Sounds of the Luftwaffe:
Below are several wav files of actual Luftwaffe aircraft. Hit
play and you can listen to these historic aircraft taxi and fly-by!
Below are several wav files of actual Luftwaffe aircraft. Hit
play and you can listen to these historic aircraft taxi and fly-by!
Messerschmitt Me-109 Fighter (taxiing):
Focke-Wulf FW-190 fighter Fighter (fly-by):
Achtung! None of the German items in my collection depict Hitler. Since the majority of German
Luftwaffe pilots were merely soldiers, and not members of the Nazi Party (N.S.D.A.P.), they simply
represent aviators who flew for their country during a time of war. A great number of German pilots
were outspoken against Hitler and many of his policies, and these items are kept as historical artifacts
reflecting their bravery as aviators.
Luftwaffe pilots were merely soldiers, and not members of the Nazi Party (N.S.D.A.P.), they simply
represent aviators who flew for their country during a time of war. A great number of German pilots
were outspoken against Hitler and many of his policies, and these items are kept as historical artifacts
reflecting their bravery as aviators.
This wartime plaque was awarded to Hauptmann Dr. Kurt Woltmann, on
December 2, 1942, with the authorization from the office of the Commanding
Luftwaffe General in Norway at the time, General Willi Harmjanz. General
Harmjanz was the commanding Luftwaffe General in Norway from June 26,
1941 to January 17, 1944. General Harmjanz began his military career in
WWI, served throughout WWII and later spent five years in a Russian prison
camp before being released back to Germany in 1950.
(On-going research concerning Haupt. Dr. Kurt Woltmann is continuing.)
December 2, 1942, with the authorization from the office of the Commanding
Luftwaffe General in Norway at the time, General Willi Harmjanz. General
Harmjanz was the commanding Luftwaffe General in Norway from June 26,
1941 to January 17, 1944. General Harmjanz began his military career in
WWI, served throughout WWII and later spent five years in a Russian prison
camp before being released back to Germany in 1950.
(On-going research concerning Haupt. Dr. Kurt Woltmann is continuing.)
KG55 LG1
Insignia of KG 27
The cup is hallmarked with the name "Boulenger", which is a well
known a French silversmith, most likely indicating that this was an early
to mid war item. KG 27 primarily operated the HE-111 medium
bomber.
known a French silversmith, most likely indicating that this was an early
to mid war item. KG 27 primarily operated the HE-111 medium
bomber.
The Luftschutz helmet is displayed with an original Luftschutz gas mask, complete with the original gas mask
container. The gas mask container and the gas mask are marked with the same issue reference number,
indicating they are original to each other. The gas mask is complete with markings along the top of the mask
filter.
container. The gas mask container and the gas mask are marked with the same issue reference number,
indicating they are original to each other. The gas mask is complete with markings along the top of the mask
filter.
Left: A wartime, Luftwaffe, pewter goblet, obtained
directly from a seller in Germany. A unit crest is etched
on one side and the other side is inscribed with
"Weihnachten 1937 (Christmas 1937), Die 9 staffel."
The insignia is similar to several unit insignias used
throughout the war. you. The goblet is approximately 5
inches tall and 3 inches across in size.
directly from a seller in Germany. A unit crest is etched
on one side and the other side is inscribed with
"Weihnachten 1937 (Christmas 1937), Die 9 staffel."
The insignia is similar to several unit insignias used
throughout the war. you. The goblet is approximately 5
inches tall and 3 inches across in size.
Left: A wartime plaque related to Kampfgeschwader 27 "Boelcke", which
was formed in Hannover-Langenhagen from Stab/KG157 on May 1, 1939.
KG27 remained in active service until being disbanded on April 8, 1945. The
squadron flew primary the HE-111P and The unit was named in honor of
famed WWI German Oswald Boelcke.
was formed in Hannover-Langenhagen from Stab/KG157 on May 1, 1939.
KG27 remained in active service until being disbanded on April 8, 1945. The
squadron flew primary the HE-111P and The unit was named in honor of
famed WWI German Oswald Boelcke.
Numerous items related to the testing of the ME-163 Komet at Peenemunde! The two documents to the left are original
documents showing the combat version of the ME-163 Komet.
documents showing the combat version of the ME-163 Komet.
Luftwaffe Dolche: (German Air Force Daggers) & Bayonets
Luftwaffe K98 Dress Bayonet: Shown complete with original brown leather frog and
portepee. This dress bayonet has the early Eickhorn-Solingen maker mark (circa
1937-1941) and the portepee is color coded for the 9th company of a regiment.
portepee. This dress bayonet has the early Eickhorn-Solingen maker mark (circa
1937-1941) and the portepee is color coded for the 9th company of a regiment.
The C.E. Daniel Collection
| The Luftwaffe 1933-1945 |
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