Description
You are bidding on a SUPERB example of a WW2 German Luftwaffe Ceramic Award Tankard! This was presented to a Unteroffizier Wilhelm Mack, from the members of Fliegerhorst Crailsheim, where he was stationed.
Crailsheim Airfield (Fliegerhorst) in Baden-Württemberg was 76 km NE of Stuttgart. Classified as an emergency landing ground (Notlandeplatz) in 1927, the Luftwaffe began constructing a large air base here in 1935 and by 1 October 1937 there were 6 hangars including a big repair hangar (all of these with concrete aprons and servicing hardstands in front of them); an air traffic control building; a motor pool and garages; a large fire department; a block of large barrack buildings; a second barracks block for flight school students; a dispensary; a station HQ building; and a housing area with homes for the families of station personnel.
A railway line ran directly behind the repair hangar and motor pool. Officially established as a Lw. Fliegerhorstkommandantur by 1 October 1936. It served almost exclusively as a flight training station right up to the end of the war.
Made of ceramic, this presentation stein is one of a kind item! Presented in 1936, it does have some marks, scratches, and wear due to the age, but otherwise quite solid. Featuring various panels depicting an Hs126 being refueled; a 20mm FlaK Gun and Crew; and an He51 (21+E22). The interesting thing is that the exact aircraft is also shown in a popular postcard photo (see last image). The pewter lid attached features an inscription that indicates:
Unteroffiz.-Vereinigung der Fliegerhorst Kompagnie Crailsheim
(Non-commissioned officer of the Crailsheim Air Base Company)
1938
Wilhelm Mack
The main title on the mug indicates:
