Large TOP Photo Grouping of Major Herbert Ihlefeld (Schwertern)

Extensive original photo grouping from the estate of Major Herbert Ihlefeld, highly decorated Luftwaffe ace and recipient of the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. The grouping consists of 104 photographs in total.

The grouping includes:

• Two (1 wartime, 1 postwar) signed photos/postcards of Herbert Ihlefeld. Also one stamped card.

• Numerous photos of downed or operational aircraft, both RAF and Luftwaffe.

• Rare images of other Knight’s Cross holders, including:

  • Heinz “Pritzl” Bär (1913–1957) – fighter ace with 220 confirmed aerial victories, recipient of the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords.

  • Adolf Galland (1912–1996) – legendary fighter ace with 104 victories, Inspector of Fighters, and one of the most famous Luftwaffe leaders, decorated with the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds.

  • Werner Mölders (1913–1941) – pioneer of modern fighter tactics, first pilot in history to achieve over 100 aerial victories, commander of Jagdgeschwader 51 “Mölders”, and recipient of the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds.

• Scenes from Africa and Greece, frontline airfields, and operational settings.

• Only a handful of sightseeing or casual photos – the focus is clearly on combat operations and decorated personnel.

Historical Background

Herbert Ihlefeld (1914–1995) achieved 122 aerial victories, making him one of the Luftwaffe’s leading fighter aces. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross in 1940, the Oak Leaves in 1941, and the Swords in 1942 for his exceptional record as both pilot and leader. Ihlefeld later commanded several fighter units, including jet formations, and rose to the rank of Oberst.

The inclusion of other highly decorated Luftwaffe aces like Galland, Bär, and Mölders enhances the grouping’s significance, connecting it to some of the most prominent and influential personalities of the German fighter arm.

Collector’s Note

This is an exceptionally large and historically rich grouping, notable for its signed Ihlefeld photographs, extensive combat-related imagery, and photos of multiple Ritterkreuzträger. The combination of operational aircraft, downed planes, and high-ranking Luftwaffe personalities makes this an outstanding research and display set.

Groupings of this size and quality, especially with autographs and appearances of major Luftwaffe aces such as Ihlefeld, Galland, Bär, and Mölders, are very scarce and highly sought after by collectors of WWII aviation history, Knight’s Cross recipients, and Luftwaffe memorabilia.