GERMAN WWII STERLING SILVER PLATE COMMEMORATING 1937 RECONAISSANCE FLIGHT.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2023

German World War II silver plate commemorating a far east reconnaissance flight from Berlin, to the Pamir Mountains, to China, and back. The inscription on the plate notes the flight as a great feat for world travel and mentions the successful crew. This plate was presented by the Berlin Airport in October 1937. Back is marked "H.J. WILM BERLIN" and "Handarbeit". Hallmarked (crown) "925". The plate is bright with evidence of polishing throughout. CONDITION: Good.

ADDENDUM: An important German Reich inscribed sterling presentation plate, honoring aviation pioneer Carl August von Gablenz for his epic flight attaining high altitudes while exploring an air route to the Far East in September, 1937. A brief timeline is as follows: His Junkers-52, the D-ANOY, and crew were held in then-Chinese Turkestan for 4 weeks. They were presumed lost in Germany. They landed in Berlin on October 3, 1937 to a hero's welcome. 1914: Lieutenant in World War I. Shot in leg then joined the Air Force. Piloted four-engine large bomber. 1933: Appointed on the Board of Directors Lufthansa. Responsible for expanding worldwide flight service. 1936: Captain of the First Commercial Traffic Flight from Europe to New York. 1937: Presented with this plate, and wrote the book “Pamirflug, Lufthansa D-ANOY 1937”. Was responsible for programs instructing the Luftwaffe in blind and instrument flying. 1941: Promoted to Major General; Command of the Air Force Planning Office; Command of Luftwaffe’s Air Transport System; Appointed Head of the Reich Aviation Ministry. August 8th 1942: Died in a plane crash in Germany while on official Reich Business.