Fall 2026 Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 241:
Description
WWI Imperial German Luftstreitkraefte Leutnant’s Double-Breasted Feldgrau Tunic with Gilt Winged-Propeller Shoulder Boards Numbered "8," Attributed to Flieger-Abteilung 8 Offered here is a privately tailored feldgrau field tunic worn by a Leutnant of the Imperial German Fliegertruppe/Luftstreitkraefte, its shoulder boards each mounted with a gilt winged-propeller device above an applied numeral "8" – insignia consistent with service in Flieger-Abteilung 8 or its replacement/training unit, Flieger-Ersatz-Abteilung 8. German military aviation expanded rapidly after 1914, initially organized as the Fliegertruppe and reorganized as the Luftstreitkraefte in October 1916, drawing officers transferred from infantry, cavalry, and artillery regiments who were required to purchase their own service dress from civilian tailors rather than draw it from government stores. The trim, double-breasted "Kleiner Rock" seen here – cut close and practical for cockpit wear – became a favored alternative to the stiffer M1910/M1915 pattern coats among flying officers. The hellblau (light blue) branch color on the collar tabs, edged in contrasting red Waffenfarbe piping, together with the gilt winged-propeller badges and numeral "8" on silver-bullion Leutnant’s shoulder boards, ties the wearer to the reconnaissance and artillery-spotting Feldflieger-Abteilungen that formed the backbone of German aerial observation before the rise of dedicated Jagdstaffeln. Two hand-sewn thread loops on the left breast, sized to mount a Flugzeugfuehrerabzeichen (pilot’s badge) or an Iron Cross 1st Class, suggest the owner held or anticipated such a qualification or decoration, though the badge itself does not survive with the coat. The tunic is fashioned from fine feldgrau wool, double-breasted with two columns of six silver-toned domed buttons, red piping tracing the front closure and pointed cuffs, and a stand collar faced in hellblau wool edged in red cord with a metal button at each side. Both shoulder boards are intact, original, and securely mounted, worked in chevroned silver-bullion cord over a hellblau underlay, each bearing the gilded winged-propeller badge of the flying branch above an applied gilt numeral "8." The interior retains its original dark sateen lining, with cream twill sleeve/underarm linings showing expected perspiration toning and light age discoloration. The lot consists of the tunic alone; no shoulder straps, headgear, or accompanying paperwork are present. Condition is very good to fine overall: the wool body retains strong color and even nap with only light scattered surface flecking and a few small thread snags near the front placket, the collar tabs and shoulder boards remain securely affixed and undamaged, the metal fittings show only age-appropriate dulling, and the lining shows honest creasing and toning consistent with a century of storage but no significant tearing or heavy moth tracking. A well-preserved and visually striking Imperial German aviation officer’s tunic whose numbered, winged-propeller shoulder boards offer a tangible and immediate link to the pioneering officers of the wartime Fliegertruppe.
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