Description:

A rare original Third Reich-era photograph, 6 1/2" x 4 1/2" b/w, a view of a line of seven Flettner Fl 282 "Kolibri" ("Hummingbird") helicopters bearing Luftwaffe markings, parked on a grassy field. The image is printed on period-correct Agfa-Brovira photo paper, and is backstamped "Geheim!" ("Secret!"), with additional warnings giving the statute under which the image is considered a state secret and dictating that it be stored under lock and key. The verso also bears the pencil date "13 X 44" (Oct. 13, 1944), with an additional pencil inventory number. In very good condition. The Fl 282 is widely considered to be the first production helicopter to see military service, with 24 produced as artillery spotters for the Luftwaffe. It relied on an unusual system of two intermeshing rotors, clearly visible in the photo offered here, a system which would not be used again until the introduction of the U.S. Marine Corps' Kamen HH-43 Huskie, also designed by Anton Flettner.

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July 30, 2019 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000