Hauptmann Rudolf Berthold Sanke Postcard

This is an original Sanke postcard No. 371, featuring Hauptmann Hans-Joachim Buddecke, one of Imperial Germany’s notable flying aces of the First World War. The Sanke card series was produced in Germany during WWI to commemorate pilots and their wartime exploits, making them highly sought-after by collectors.

The portrait captures Buddecke in full uniform, wearing his Pour le Mérite (Blue Max), Iron Cross 1st Class, and the Prussian Pilot Badge. He is also wearing the distinctive fur-trimmed cap associated with pilots of the Ottoman-German alliance. Buddecke gained fame for his service with Jagdstaffel 4 (Jasta 4) and his actions as part of the German military mission to the Ottoman Empire, where he fought against British and ANZAC forces in the Middle East. He was one of the few pilots to achieve aerial victories on multiple fronts.

Condition: This postcard remains in excellent condition, with sharp imagery and no significant fading. The reverse side is unused, showing only a small publisher’s mark and light signs of age-appropriate wear. The corners remain crisp, and there are no major creases, tears, or staining, making it an exceptional example.

Historical Context & Display: This postcard is an important relic of the Kaiserliche Luftstreitkräfte (Imperial German Air Service) and would make an excellent addition to any collection focusing on WWI aviation, Imperial Germany, or militaria photography. Due to its well-preserved nature, it would present beautifully in a framed display alongside other Sanke postcards, aviation medals, or flight-related artifacts.

Translation of Markings:

• Front: “Hauptmann Buddecke” (Captain Buddecke)

• Bottom Left: “Postkartenvertrieb W. Sanke, Berlin” (Postcard distribution by W. Sanke, Berlin)

This is a superb, historically significant postcard of a German flying ace who fought on multiple fronts during WWI, making it a valuable addition to any aviation, militaria, or Imperial German collection.