(Frontsoldatentag Statue). A unique 1922 Stahlhelm Frontsoldatentag (Front Soldiers’ Day) commemorative statue, constructed of dark cast bronze. It depicts a finely-detailed Luftstreitkräfte pilot in full uniform and wearing a flight cap and goggles, clutching a propeller presented to scale in one hand, while gesturing toward the distance with his other arm. The figure is situated atop a dark marble pedestal, with a plaque riveted to the front. The latter bears an engraved inscription of “JASTA 11 - LA BAYELLE, 4. FRONTSOLDATENTAG-STAHLHELM, MAGDEBURG 1922”. Otherwise unmarked, it measuring 14.5 cm (w) x 27 cm (h) (inclusive of figure). Demonstrating no evident damage or wear, the statue is in an extremely fine condition.
Footnote: Founded on 26 September 1916, Jasta (Jagdstaffel) 11 was mobilized at La Brayelle and became the most successful fighter squadron of the Luftstreitkräfte. Its notable personnel included legendary fighter aces such as Manfred von Richthofen (the Red Baron), his brother Lothar, Hermann Göring, Werner Voss, Karl Allmenröder, and Ernst Udet. These and other pilots took the unit’s claimed victory tally to 350, with 20 members eventually attaining the rank of ace.