WWI Prussian Flieger-Bataillon 2 Posen Oberleutnant Koch Aviation Trophy
This substantial Imperial German aviation service trophy commemorates the World War I flying service of Oberleutnant E. Koch with the 1st Company of Flieger-Bataillon Nr. 2 at Posen. Dated 1914–1916 and incorporating a Prussian aircraft observer badge device beneath a large spread-winged eagle, it is an unusually evocative personal memorial from the formative years of German military aviation. The complete piece stands approximately 12.5 inches tall and weighs a substantial 3 pounds 13 ounces. The spread-winged eagle measures approximately 9.5 inches across the wings and 5.5 inches from beak to tail. It is mounted above a tall, tapering pedestal of dark-stained or ebonized wood rising from a stepped base measuring approximately 6.5 inches across. The weight, large scale and architectural construction clearly identify this as a purpose-made desk or display piece rather than a conventional military award. The eagle is a heavy cast-metal figure with individually modeled wing and feather detail, extended talons and a forward-facing head. Its surviving surface has a muted brass or bronze coloration. Areas of wear and flaking reveal a lighter-colored metal beneath, indicating that the eagle is best described as cast base metal with a brass or bronze-colored surface finish rather than solid brass without further metallurgical testing. The surviving finish has developed considerable dark patina and oxidation, producing the appropriately aged appearance of an object that has remained intact for more than a century. Mounted prominently on the front of the pedestal is a silver-colored representation of the Prussian Abzeichen für Beobachtungsoffiziere aus Flugzeugen (Badge for Aircraft Observation Officers), generally known to collectors as the Beobachterabzeichen (Observer's Badge). The device measures approximately 1.75 inches wide and approximately 3.75 inches from the top of the Imperial crown to the lower ribbon or bow. It consists of the Imperial crown above an oval wreath incorporating laurel and oak foliage, with the characteristic colored central device against a radiating field. The center retains red, black and white enamel coloration. The Prussian Observer's Badge was instituted by Kaiser Wilhelm II on January 27, 1914, immediately before the outbreak of World War I. It recognized qualified military observation officers, whose responsibilities were considerably more demanding than simply accompanying a pilot. Early observers conducted reconnaissance, identified troop positions and movements, produced sketches and reports, assisted with artillery observation and correction, and increasingly made use of aerial photography as wartime aviation developed. In many early German two-seat aircraft, the trained observer was the officer responsible for the tactical purpose of the mission while the pilot concentrated on operating the aircraft. The mounted device should be understood as part of the trophy itself. Its dimensions and permanent installation prevent examination of a reverse mounting system or maker's mark, and it should therefore not automatically be represented as a regulation wearable Observer's Badge subsequently attached to the monument. It is more responsibly described as an observer-badge device incorporated into the original commemorative design. Its presence on a named flying-unit service memorial strongly suggests an association between Koch and aerial observation duties or qualification, although the inscription itself does not separately state that he was a qualified observer. Immediately beneath the badge is an ornate metal scroll approximately 3.5 inches wide by 1.25 inches high. Its central plaque is inscribed: "Zur Erinnerung an meine Dienstzeit 1914 - Oblt. E. Koch - 1916 1./Flg. Btl. Posen" This translates as: "In remembrance of my period of service 1914 - Oberleutnant E. Koch - 1916 1st Company, Flying Battalion, Posen." "Oblt." is the period abbreviation for Oberleutnant (first lieutenant). "1./Flg. Btl. Posen" identifies the 1st Company of the flying battalion stationed at Posen. The inscription is particularly significant because the organization of the prewar German flying troops allows the unit to be identified more precisely as Flieger-Bataillon Nr. 2. Flieger-Bataillon Nr. 2 was established on October 1, 1913, during the rapid prewar expansion of German military aviation. Its battalion staff and 1. Kompagnie (1st Company) were stationed at Posen, while its 2nd Company was at Graudenz and its 3rd Company at Königsberg in Prussia. The reference to "1./Flg. Btl. Posen" on this trophy therefore corresponds directly to the known organization of Flieger-Bataillon Nr. 2 and gives the piece an unusually specific early aviation association. Posen, today Poznań in Poland, was then an important Prussian garrison city within the Province of Posen. The years 1914 through 1916 recorded on the trophy encompass one of the most dramatic periods in the history of military aviation. At the beginning of World War I, aircraft were still employed principally for reconnaissance and observation. Their value became apparent almost immediately, and within two years aviation had developed into specialized reconnaissance, artillery-cooperation, bombing and fighter organizations. In 1916 the German flying service underwent major reorganization as the Luftstreitkräfte emerged as a more centralized and specialized wartime air arm. Oberleutnant Koch's stated period of service therefore coincided almost exactly with this transformation from the small prewar Fliegertruppe into a sophisticated aerial fighting force. At the lower front of the base is a second metal inscription plate measuring approximately 5 inches long by one-half inch wide. It reads: "Für Gott Kaiser und Vaterland" This translates as: "For God, Kaiser and Fatherland." The phrase expresses the traditional monarchic and patriotic ideals associated with Imperial German military service and is particularly appropriate to a privately commissioned service remembrance of the First World War period. The wording "Zur Erinnerung an meine Dienstzeit," or "In remembrance of my period of service," is also important when interpreting the object. Rather than reading as a formal presentation inscription bestowed upon Koch by another party, it suggests that the trophy was created or commissioned as a personal remembrance of his own military service. Whether it was privately purchased by Koch, commissioned by comrades, or produced through a military outfitter cannot presently be established. The named inscription itself nevertheless provides direct period provenance to Oberleutnant E. Koch and his service with the 1st Company at Posen. His full first name has not been confirmed and should not be expanded beyond the engraved initial without additional documentation. Condition is good overall and displays substantial untouched age character. The dark wooden pedestal retains its imposing form but shows scratches, rubbing, edge wear, small finish losses and age-related surface marks. The eagle has extensive darkening and patination, together with localized loss and flaking of its brass or bronze-colored surface. Because portions of this finish appear fragile, further aggressive cleaning or polishing would not be advisable. The exposed areas confirm a lighter base metal beneath the colored surface. The mounted observer-badge device remains complete and visually strong, with the colored center providing excellent contrast against the silver-toned wreath and crown. The engraved scroll and lower patriotic plaque remain readily legible, with normal tarnish and age toning. No maker's mark is observed. Named Imperial German aviation material from the opening years of World War I has particular collector significance because the flying service remained comparatively small when compared with the mass infantry formations of the German Army. This piece combines substantial scale, a dramatic spread-winged eagle, an early Prussian observer insignia motif, a specific officer, exact dates of service and an identifiable company of one of Germany's original flying battalions. It is not simply an aviation-themed decorative object, but a personal service memorial tied directly to the emergence of German military aviation during 1914–1916.