A third reich period plaque, featuring a German eagle with outspread wings clutching a mobile swastika within an oak wreath in silver, along with a quote that reads “Ich lebe um zu fliegen und arbeite um zu leben. Ich fliege um zu kämpfen un wenn es sein muss für mein Vaterland un meinen Führer zu sterben” (German - I live to fly and work to live. I fly to fight, and if needed, to die for my Fatherland and my Führer). The core of the plaque is constructed of wood, with a black semi-glossy finish, and is decorated by silver (marked “800” for silver content) garlands in the form of intertwined oak leaves. It is suspended from a loop. The reverse is covered by a layer of paper, with a total of five hooks visible underneath. It measures 165 mm (w) x 209 mm (h). The silver on the plaque with patina from age. In overall extremely fine condition.
Footnote: Johann “Hans” Peter Baur was born on June 19, 1897 in Ampfing, southern Bavaria. In 1915 he volunteered for service in the Bavarian army and received pilot training. He flew for Wing 295 on the Western Front and claimed six confirmed aerial victories. After the war Baur became a military courier pilot and was then hired to fly for the Junkers company. Between 1926 and 1933 he worked for Lufthansa. In 1926 he also joined the NSDAP (no. 48,113). In 1932 he joined the SS and began flying A.H. during his election campaign. In 1933 Baur became A.H.’s personal pilot, a position he maintained until the end of the war. He was also made leader of the Reichsregierung (government) squadron which by the end of the war consisted of 40 planes. In 1934 Baur was appointed SS-Oberführer. He reached his highest rank in February of 1945 when he became an SS-Gruppenführer and Lieutenant General of the Waffen-SS. He stayed with A.H. in the Führerbunker until the very end. When Baur eventually tried to flee and break through the Soviet lines both of his legs were severely wounded, and in the end, as a POW of the Soviets, his right leg had to be amputated. Baur was only released and returned to Germany in October of 1955. He died on February 17, 1993. Among his many decorations are the Iron Cross 1914 1st Class, the Bavarian Pilot’s Badge, and the NSDAP’s Golden Party Badge.