Riesenflugzeugabteilung 501 Sergeant's Model 1910 Flieger Tunic | ||
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Collar and cuffs are piped in black for Verkehrstruppen Transportation Troops) and edged in subdued M10 grey NCO's braid. The addition of a large collar button indicates the rank of Sergeant. The privately purchased Flieger shoulder straps are regulation Model 1910, being Feldgrau with light grey piping for Verkehrstruppen. The #3 on the straps indicates the owner of the tunic was initially employed with the 3rd Flieger Ersatz Abteilung (3rd Flyer Replacement Unit) before joining Rfa 501. Rfa 501 was one of only two units to operate the enormous Staaken heavy bomber over England in the Great War. For more information on Rfa 501 and the Staaken Bomber CLICK HERE. | ||
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The lining is stamped "Flieg Ers Abt 1915 Eigentum" which translates as "Flieger Ersatz Abteilung 1915", indicating the tunic was purchased from a tailor by 3rd Flieger Ersatz Abteilung (3rd Flyer Replacement Unit) and stamped as belonging to that unit. After one year of wear, the Feldrock was then stamped with "Eigentum" and given to the NCO for continued use. | ||
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One of the very few surviving German Pilot's NCO Model 1910 tunics from the Great War, this is believed to be the only surviving tunic from Riesenflugzeugabteilung 501. | ||