Imperial German Military Flight School (M.F.S.) Mess Hall Platter

This is a rare and historically significant porcelain platter from an Imperial German Military Flight School (M.F.S.), used during the early 20th century. The platter prominently features a detailed illustration of a pre-World War I military biplane, flanked by the letters "M.F.S." in traditional Germanic script, which stands for Militär-Fliegerschule (Military Aviation School). These flight schools were instrumental in training the first generation of German aviators, many of whom went on to serve in the Imperial German Air Service (Luftstreitkräfte) during World War I.

This piece was manufactured by Rosenthal, one of Germany’s premier porcelain producers, and is marked on the reverse with “Rosenthal Selb-Bavaria” along with the distributor's mark Franz Kreski, Bromberg, indicating it was supplied for military use. The presence of such fine porcelain in a military aviation school suggests it was likely reserved for officers or high-ranking personnel.

Condition:

The platter remains in excellent condition, with no cracks or major chips. The graphic and border designs remain well-preserved, with only minimal wear consistent with age and light service use. The glaze retains a smooth, glossy finish, enhancing its display appeal. Some minor firing imperfections and utensil marks are present, as expected from a piece of this era.

Historical Context & Display:

This platter represents the early days of German military aviation, an era when flight was still experimental and rapidly evolving. It would make an exceptional display piece for collectors specializing in Imperial German militaria, aviation artifacts, or historical porcelain. Its striking aviation motif and connection to the elite flight schools of the period add to its rarity and desirability.

Comparable Sales & Rarity:

Items from Imperial German aviation schools are scarce, with few surviving examples of mess hall porcelain from these institutions. 

A museum-quality relic from the dawn of military aviation, offering a tangible connection to Germany’s pioneering pilots of the early 20th century.