Goetzdude Posted October 31, 2005 Report Share Posted October 31, 2005 K-288 CAVALRY CAPTAIN BARON VON RICHTHOFEN, 1928, Struck Silver, 36mm, VZ. ERROR VARIETY, R, Die crack, reverse 7:00 o’clock. In its original box of issue. Portrait medal of the famous WWI fighter pilot killed on the Somme battlefield on April 21, 1918. Richthofen was probably the finest airman the world had ever seen. He was not only a good fighter but also the noblest on the German side. He had the reputation of never killing an enemy after he had him “cold” in his sights. After forcing an opponent down he often landed beside him, helped him from his machine, and saw that he was honorably treated. Richthofen was buried by the British with full military honors. This is another of Goetz’ ‘problem’ medals with erroneous date of death and number of victories quoted. In 1928 this medal was advertised showing 89 victories for Richthofen and his day of death as April 12, 1918. Later that same year the number of victories was changed to 80 and the date of death corrected to April 21, 1918. Obviously, the error variety is much harder to come by. Obverse: Richthofen bust slightly left in flight uniform. Reverse: In the foreground, winged helmet with Richthofen’s coat of arms. Above, “89” with arrow to signify victories. Date of death on memorial stone. The German eagle stands to the left calling to the sky, “Der rote Kampf” (To the red fighter pilot) indicating the color of his Fokker plane. Goetz may have worked directly from this image... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burks Posted October 31, 2005 Report Share Posted October 31, 2005 I must get my hands on one of those. I'm a HUGE Red Baron fan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiffibunny Posted October 31, 2005 Report Share Posted October 31, 2005 I have to stop looking at your threads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottishmoney Posted October 31, 2005 Report Share Posted October 31, 2005 Portrait medal of the famous WWI fighter pilot killed on the Somme battlefield on April 21, 1918. Richthofen was probably the finest airman the world had ever seen. He was not only a good fighter but also the noblest on the German side. He had the reputation of never killing an enemy after he had him “cold” in his sights. After forcing an opponent down he often landed beside him, helped him from his machine, and saw that he was honorably treated. Richthofen was buried by the British with full military honors. WWI was definately the first of the truly terrible wars, but it was also the one with the last of the chivalry. The symbolism of the German eagle looking skyward is telling of the emotion of the piece. Thanks for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AuldFartte Posted November 1, 2005 Report Share Posted November 1, 2005 Another fabulous Goetz medal Von Richtofen was an incredible pilot in his day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Posted November 2, 2005 Report Share Posted November 2, 2005 I have to confess that i'm not much of an admirer of Goetz's work or style, but that medal is one that i'd happily have in my collection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mischka Posted June 3, 2014 Report Share Posted June 3, 2014 there's another one in my collection Baron von Richthofen. 1918 "The Red Baron." (27,95 g . 985 fine gold) 36 mm http://s1.directupload.net/images/140424/r37tehum.jpg http://s1.directupload.net/images/140424/mgmous9b.jpg If someone is interested - just let me know(Medal is in Switzerland - where else^^) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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