“Der rote Kampfflieger” by Rittmeister Manfred Freiherr von Richthofen – 1917 First Edition Ullstein Kriegsausgabe

An original 1917 wartime first edition of Der rote Kampfflieger (The Red Fighter Pilot), authored by the famed German WWI ace, Rittmeister Manfred Freiherr von Richthofen. This edition was published by Ullstein & Co., Berlin-Wien, as part of their Ullstein Kriegsbücher (War Book) series. The book is written in Fraktur-style German script and offers Richthofen’s own account of aerial combat on the Western Front.

The book retains its original mustard-yellow cover featuring a striking red triplane in flight, trailing smoke through stylized cloud bursts. Below, the title Der rote Kampfflieger is printed in bold Gothic script. The cover is visibly creased and worn, consistent with age and wartime paper quality, but remains fully intact with no loose pages.

The interior title page confirms the print run (151.–200. Tausend) and the year of publication, 1917. A stylized owl illustration — the Ullstein publishing logo — appears at the bottom of the page. The book contains narrative passages accompanied by photographic plates of Richthofen and his fellow pilots in action, including scenes of downed aircraft and aerial duels.

Of particular note is a handwritten inscription on the front flyleaf: "Ehre, guten... (illegible signature)" — likely a period inscription, though the signature has not been identified or verified. The verso of the cover lists this work as part of Ullstein’s official wartime series.

Condition:

• Cover: Worn with heavy creasing and edge wear; all text and imagery remain legible.

• Binding: Tight and complete.

• Interior Pages: Toned with age, some foxing present; all plates intact.

• Signature: 

  Looking closely at the image of the inscription on the front flyleaf, the handwriting appears to read:

  "Ehrengut. J. Taube"

  Here’s the breakdown of the interpretation:

  • "Ehrengut." likely abbreviates "Ehrengeschenk" (honor gift) or could be shorthand for "Ehre und Gut," meaning "honor and property" or more colloquially "with honor and respect." It's not a standard word but may be a personal flourish or regional idiom.

  • "J. Taube" appears to be a name, written clearly in cursive. "Taube" is a known surname and also interestingly means “dove” in German — a poignant name given the book's martial context.

Historical Context:
Richthofen, known worldwide as “The Red Baron,” was the most celebrated fighter pilot of the First World War, credited with 80 confirmed aerial victories before his death in April 1918. Der rote Kampfflieger was published during his lifetime and intended as both propaganda and autobiographical account — offering rare firsthand insight into the mindset of Imperial Germany’s aerial elite.

Display Suggestion:
Ideal for display in a protective case or alongside related aviation relics, medals, or period pilot gear. A quintessential addition to any WWI or military aviation collection, particularly for those focusing on German Luftstreitkräfte or early 20th-century publishing.