Lot 472

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Description:

THE MEDAL AND AWARDS GROUPING OF LUFTWAFFE AVIATOR WALTER URBAN, DIVE-BOMBER GROUP 1
A superlative grouping of medals and award documents issued to Feldwebel Walter Urban, a dive bomber pilot attached to the Luftwaffe's Sturzkampfgeschwader 1. Urban was part of the second generation of Germany's military pilots, receiving his wings in late 1942 and joining Dive Bomber Group 1 in early 1943. Urban's unit was deployed in central and southern Russia from late 1943 through 1944, and the pilot also participated in Operation CITADEL and the subsequent battle of Kursk. Initially the unit flew Ju87s before transitioning to FW190s. Urban fought with distinction and was awarded Knights Crosses, Second and First Class, a German Cross in Gold, and an Honor Goblet. Present in this fine grouping is: Urban's German Cross in Gold, the rays on obverse somewhat worn from use as the fastening pin is slightly bent consistent with use, tarnishing also consistent with age. The reverse bears four hollow rivets and the pin and catch are attached to a oblong rounded backing plate, which in turn is recessed into the reverse silver plate. Hallmarked "134" by the scarce maker Otto Klein & Sohn. Accompanied by the medal's award certificate issued at "Headquarters" [Berlin], Mar. 20, 1944, 1p. 9 1/4" x 13" bearing a facsimile signature of HERMANN GORING and an unidentified general, possibly Ferdinand Schorner, folds. Urban's Iron Cross, First Class is also included, the beading and black paint in very good condition, only slight tarnishing. The "Coke bottle" pin with tapered point bears the hallmark "26" indicating maker B. H. Mayer, rectangular wire catch, and block/barrel hinge. This medal too is accompanied by the corresponding award certificate, 1p. 8vo., "Headquarters", Mar. 26, 1943, signed by Field Marshal ROBERT RITTER VON GREIM (1892-1945) as commanding general of the Luftwaffe in the East. The third medal in the grouping is Urban's Iron Cross, Second Class, the black surface repainted, but beading, suspension ring and ribbon all in very good condition. Ring is stamped "128". The corresponding award certificate is also present, signed by Luftflotte 1 commander, Gen. ALFRED KELLER (1882-1974). All of the certificates have been matted and set into gilt wood frames. Also included is Urban's flight helmet, with lined earphones, chin strap and fixing straps intact, ink identified by him within. Provenance includes much 1991-98 back-and-forth correspondence between the original seller, an aviation collector/dealer and the present owner, research material, photos of Urban, etc.

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September 10, 2013 11:00 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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