WW2 Geschwader Immelmann Cufftitle & 1916 Autographed ‘Pour le Mérite’ Photos
Price: Sold
Description: Two period photos of Oberleutnant Max Immelmann (15 victories), in uniform and with his Pour le Mérite and an array of decorations visible, both bearing the Berlin studio mark of ‘Postkartenvertrieb W.Sanke’ with numbers 360 & 361 with the latter being clearly autographed in black ink. The Mint Geschwader Immelmann cufftitle is machine embroidered in silver thread on blue wool and remains full length.
Background: Max Immelmann, was a pioneering German World War I flying ace being awarded the Pour le Mérite and known as “The Eagle of Lille”. He is credited with developing the “Immelmann turn,” a maneuver involving a half loop followed by a half roll, which allowed early fighter pilots to gain a tactical advantage. Immelmann was a significant figure in developing aerial combat, but he died in June 1916 after his aircraft crashed, though the exact cause is debated between a British attack and self-inflicted damage from a malfunctioning gun synchronizer.
