Fabled German military pilot (1892–1918), known as the Red Baron, who shot down 80 enemy planes in World War I before he was killed in action at the age of 25. Handsome and very scarce matte-finish 3.25 x 5.25 von Dühren postcard photo of Richthofen in uniform with a chestful of decorations, published by Willi Sanke, Berlin, signed in fountain pen, “Fr[eiherr] M. v. Richthofen, Rittmeister,” with von Richthofen adding a line above his signature, perhaps an inscription. Accompanied by an original 1 x 1 piece of red fabric from the Red Baron’s triplane #425/17, in which he died when shot down April 21, 1918. Piece was originally part of a larger section removed by Lieutenant Frank Mart, who was serving with the No. 3 Squadron of the Australian Flying Corps, the unit which recovered Richthofen’s plane and body. Swatch is accompanied by a 1990 letter of provenance from P. J. Carisella, attesting to the authenticity of the fabric, and stating “More details of this event can be found in my book, Who Killed the Red Baron?” Both the photo and swatch are matted and framed together, along with a photo of several soldiers surrounding the wreckage, to an overall size of 14 x 11.5. Ring of silvering to edges of image, mounting impressions to corners, and slight contrast to writing indistinct against uniform (as is typical for signed examples of this photo; still bold and darkly penned), otherwise fine condition. An outstanding combination of relics from this most coveted of military and aviation personalities! Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
