Fabled German military pilot (1892-1918) who shot down 80 enemy planes in World War I before he was killed in action at age 25. Rare vintage matte-finish 3.25 x 5.25 postcard photo of Manfred von Richthofen in his military uniform which bears the prestigious Pour le Merite just below his collar, signed in fountain pen, "Fr. M. von Richthofen, Rittmeister." In fine condition, with the signature a shade light. Von Richthofen did not become well known enough to be asked for autographs until 1916, and he was killed just two years later. In between, he was usually in combat at the front and, in any case, a veritable recluse, so very few people were given the chance to meet him. The combination of these circumstances accounts for the extraordinary rarity of this most coveted of military and aviation personalities. Encapsulated in a PSA/DNA authentication holder.
