When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Description
Original 1912 Imperial German “National-Flugspende” aviation fundraising postcard, produced during the pioneering years of German aviation just two years before the outbreak of World War I.
The colorful front features a dramatic patriotic composition with a medieval Germanic/Teutonic-style armored figure, a large Prussian eagle flag, and numerous early monoplanes and biplanes flying overhead. The artwork symbolically connects Germany’s historic military tradition with the emerging technology of powered flight.
Across the bottom is the prominent 1912”
National Aviation Fund / National Flight Donation 1912
The Nationalflugspende was a major German national fundraising campaign established in 1912 under the patronage of Prince Heinrich of Prussia (Prinz Heinrich von Preußen), brother of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Its purpose was to encourage the development of German aviation, including aircraft development and pilot training, at a time when airplanes were rapidly acquiring military importance.
The reverse is particularly interesting because it contains the original fundraising appeal headed:
“Prinz Heinrich von Preußen”
The printed message explains that Prince Heinrich appealed to the German people to contribute to the patriotic purpose of the Flugspende. It further states that the net proceeds from the sale of this postcard were transferred under the supervision of the Reich Committee of the National-Flugspende.
This indicates that the postcard itself was produced and sold as part of the fundraising effort rather than simply being a commemorative aviation postcard.
Publisher/printer identified along the reverse edge as:
Gerhard Römer, Hamburg 1
The postcard is unused and unposted, with its original divided-back format and empty stamp box.
A particularly attractive piece of pre-WWI German aviation history with strong crossover appeal for collectors of Imperial Germany, Prussia, Kaiser-era memorabilia, early airplanes, military aviation, patriotic ephemera and early aviation postcards.
Condition: Very good vintage condition with minor edge and corner wear, light age toning and handling consistent with its age. Strong colors and an exceptionally attractive early aviation design. Please examine photographs for exact condition.
