{"product_id":"wwi-bavarian-feld-flieger-abteilung-7b-1l-aviation-stein-with-postcard","title":"WWI Bavarian Feld-Flieger-Abteilung 7b 1L Aviation Stein With Postcard","description":"\u003cp\u003eA particularly desirable First World War Bavarian aviation presentation stein for the Bayerische Feld-Flieger-Abteilung 7b (Bavarian Field Flying Detachment 7b), one of the early field aviation units of the Königlich Bayerische Fliegertruppe (Royal Bavarian Flying Troops). The combination of unit-specific aviation decoration, large one-liter stoneware body, elaborate engraved pewter lid, Bavarian heraldic thumb lift, and accompanying 1916 field-aviation postcard makes this considerably more significant than a conventional Imperial German military beer stein.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stein stands approximately 11 inches tall overall. It is constructed from heavy cream-colored glazed stoneware with a tall cylindrical body, substantial applied handle, and two narrow cobalt-blue bands encircling the lower edge. Near the handle is the impressed capacity designation “1L,” confirming the large one-liter format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe principal decoration is executed in cobalt blue and consists of the distinctive emblem of the Bavarian military flying service. A crowned Bavarian lozenge shield is crossed by a large aircraft propeller, beneath which appears the inscription:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“BAYR. FELD-FLIEGER-ABT. 7b”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis expands to:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Bayerische Feld-Flieger-Abteilung 7b”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe full English translation is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Bavarian Field Flying Detachment 7b”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final lowercase “b” was the German military designation identifying the formation as Bavarian. Bavaria maintained a considerable degree of military administrative independence within the German Empire, and Bavarian aviation formations consequently carried their own numbered designations alongside their Prussian and other German counterparts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stein is fitted with an unusually elaborate pewter lid of multi-stage architectural form. The lower collar is deeply fluted, above which rise successive bands of molded foliage and floral ornament. A tall domed upper section carries additional scrollwork and terminates in a finial. This considerably more elaborate construction distinguishes the piece from the simple flat pewter lids commonly encountered on ordinary military drinking vessels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hinge assembly terminates in a highly dimensional heraldic thumb lift incorporating a crowned Bavarian lion and shield motif. The sculptural treatment complements the explicitly Bavarian aviation decoration on the stoneware body and gives the stein considerable visual presence when displayed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore importantly, the broad lower rim of the lid carries a period hand-engraved commemorative inscription. The inscription appears to read:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Zum Andenken a. s. Kameraden”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe abbreviated wording appears to represent “Zum Andenken an seine Kameraden,” meaning approximately:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“In remembrance of his comrades.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe engraving establishes the commemorative character of the vessel and is entirely consistent with a personal or unit presentation piece rather than a generic commercial beer stein. Because the abbreviated wording is engraved in period script, the expansion of “a. s.” is given cautiously rather than presented as an absolute reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBayerische Feld-Flieger-Abteilung 7b was one of three additional Bavarian field flying detachments, numbered 7b through 9b, raised at Oberschleißheim in January 1915 as the German Army rapidly expanded its aviation capability during the First World War. Oberschleißheim, north of Munich, was one of the principal centers of Bavarian military aviation and had been closely associated with the development of the Bavarian flying service before the war.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Feld-Flieger-Abteilungen were the workhorses of German Army aviation during the early and middle years of the conflict. Unlike the specialized fighter squadrons that would later become famous, these early field flying detachments performed a broad range of duties. Their crews conducted tactical and strategic reconnaissance, artillery observation, aerial photography, liaison work, and battlefield surveillance, often flying two-seat aircraft over and behind enemy lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring 1915, Feld-Flieger-Abteilung 7b operated on the Western Front. The unit is documented in the sector of the Armee-Abteilung von Strantz and was associated with airfields in the Woëvre and Briey areas. This placed its aviators in a strategically important region between the Verdun sector and the German positions farther north.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong the aviators known to have served with the unit was the future Ritter von Kraußer. After transferring to aviation as an observer in early 1915, he returned to the front with Feld-Flieger-Abteilung 7b in March of that year. He later became a distinguished combat aviation officer and was awarded Bavaria's prestigious Militär-Max-Joseph-Orden. His service illustrates the caliber of personnel passing through these early Bavarian aviation formations as German military flying evolved rapidly during the war.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe organization of German military aviation changed dramatically as experience accumulated. At the beginning of the conflict, Feld-Flieger-Abteilungen were largely general-purpose reconnaissance formations subordinate to army commands. By 1916, increasing specialization led to the development of dedicated artillery-observation units, fighter commands, protection squadrons, and eventually the famous Jagdstaffeln. The terminology and structure of the flying service were reorganized again in October 1916 under the Deutsche Luftstreitkräfte (German Air Forces).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsequently, material specifically marked to an early Feld-Flieger-Abteilung represents an important transitional period in military aviation history: the years when aircraft changed from fragile reconnaissance machines operating in small detachments into indispensable instruments of modern warfare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccompanying the stein is a period illustrated postcard depicting a German field aviation unit at its airfield. The printed caption reads:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Abenderkundung einer Feldflieger-Abteilung vor Ypern. Nach einem Aquarell von Hans Luch.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTranslated into English:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Evening reconnaissance by a Field Flying Detachment near Ypres. After a watercolor by Hans Luch.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe scene shows early German military aircraft positioned outside field hangars as personnel work around the machines at dusk, providing an unusually appropriate visual companion to the Bavarian aviation stein.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse of the postcard bears a handwritten German message dated “21. III. 16,” or March 21, 1916. The writer addresses family members and discusses contemporary wartime news. Among the clearly legible passages he reports that further favorable news has been announced from the theater of war, including “2500 Gefangene u.s.w.,” meaning “2,500 prisoners, etc.” He also refers to French Finance Minister Ribot and a speech concerning the progress of the war and the possibility of peace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother portion discusses the writer's “Uniformierung” and “Beförderung,” meaning his uniforming and promotion, and expresses hope that the matter will be approved so that he may receive leave. The closing conveys affectionate greetings and kisses to the recipients. Portions of the handwriting, including the place name and several individual words, remain indistinct and have therefore not been forced into a definitive transcription.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe postcard should be regarded as accompanying period aviation ephemera rather than automatically assumed to have originated with the same individual who owned the stein unless additional provenance establishes that connection. Its 1916 date and field-aviation subject nevertheless make it an especially appropriate companion piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition is very fine overall. The stoneware body remains sound with an attractive cream-colored glaze and strong cobalt-blue unit decoration. The aviation emblem, Bavarian crown and lozenges, propeller, and “BAYR. FELD-FLIEGER-ABT. 7b” lettering remain exceptionally clear. There are scattered age-related surface marks, light discoloration, small scratches, and areas of handling wear consistent with a vessel that has survived for more than a century. No major structural loss is observed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pewter lid remains complete and displays strong molded floral and architectural detail. It shows the expected gray patina, oxidation, small marks, scratches, and surface variation associated with age. The engraved commemorative inscription remains readily visible. The hinge and figural thumb lift remain present, with normal wear and darker patination concentrated in the recessed areas of the casting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe accompanying postcard shows expected age toning, edge wear, handling marks, and minor surface soiling while retaining a strong printed aviation scene and extensive period handwriting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal unit-marked material relating to the early German Feld-Flieger-Abteilungen is substantially less common than general First World War infantry or artillery commemoratives, and Bavarian aviation pieces have an especially strong collector following. A smaller half-liter Feld-Flieger-Abteilung 7b stein has previously been cataloged by a specialist European militaria auction house as a rare unit-issued example. The present piece is particularly noteworthy for its one-liter size, elaborate pewter presentation lid, engraved commemorative inscription, surviving Bavarian aviation emblem, and accompanying dated field-aviation postcard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a strong centerpiece for an advanced collection devoted to Imperial German aviation, the Royal Bavarian Flying Troops, early military aviation, First World War flying units, or the development of the German air service before the emergence of the better-known fighter squadrons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Derrittmeister Militaria Group","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50633708437743,"sku":"18-149","price":685.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/9169\/5855\/files\/18-149_1.jpg?v=1787951389","url":"https:\/\/derrittmeister.com\/products\/wwi-bavarian-feld-flieger-abteilung-7b-1l-aviation-stein-with-postcard","provider":"Derrittmeister Militaria Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}