Group, Squadron Leader J.G. 52, Spanish Cross in Gold with Swords.

Estate of Lieutenant Wilhelm Keidel. Wilhelm Keidel began his military career with the Kriegsmarine and later switched to the Luftwaffe. He trained in the Lehrgeschwader 2 of the Luftwaffe. He served with the Luftwaffe in J/88 as part of the Legion Condor in the Spanish Civil War and was in the same squadron as Adolf Galland, who was his squadron commander.
Later he was himself the squadron commander of the Jagtgeschwader 52 (J.G. 52). The J.G. 52 is the most successful fighter squadron ever, with approximately 9,000 attributed victorys. Famous pilots such as Erich Hartmann, Gerhard Barkhorn and Günther Rall served with this squadron.
Keidel was killed on 25.7.1940 in a dogfight with Spitfires near Dover.
The estate consists of:

– Document for entry into the Armed Forces.
– Confirmation document of service (Kriegsmarine).
– Provisional document for the Spanish Cross in Gold with Swords
– Large document for the Spanish Cross in Gold with Swords.
– Permit to wear the Italian pilots badge
– Document, Annexation of Czechoslovakia Medal (October 1, 1939).
– 2nd document Annexation of Czechoslovakia Medal (October 1, 1939).
– Accompanying letter for the 2nd Annexation document.
– Document for the Iron Cross 2nd Class 1939, as squadron commander JG 52, very good condition, with original signature.
– Air combat report on the loss of Lieutenant Keidel – Letter for a condolence gift to the family from the squadron
– Business card Lieutenant Wilhelm Keidel
– DLRG ID card, missing one page
– Motor vehicle letter and vehicle license of Wilhelm Keidel
– Two original photos, one in navy uniform, one in Luftwaffe uniform
– 10 newly printed photos
– Cased Spanish Cross in Gold with Swords. Real silver based and in an excellent, unworn condition. With complete, radiant gilding. Swastika and high points burnished. Hallmarked on the reverse with the silver content „900“. Not marked but a known variation that has been attributed to the company of Gebrüder Godet & Co., Berlin. In the accompanying red case.
The fitting case in a very good, slightly used condition. The lid with gold embossed border. The inlet covered with velvet and the inside of the lid with satin
– Luftwaffe Pilot Badge. Tombak/brass based and in a very good,slightly worn condition.The eagle with practically all of the dark oxidised finish. The wreath with all of the silver plate and some patina.
Marked on the reverse with the maker „C.E. Juncker Berlin SW“. So called 1st pattern, thin wreath or J.1 type badge. Scratched on the reverse with the name „LT. Keidel“.
– Italian Pilot Badge. Tombak/brass based and in an excellent, barely worn condition with all of the matt gilt plate still present, the high points burnished.
Marked on the reverse with the maker „S. Johnseon P. Nouva 15 Milano“.
The seldom seen blue case in a very good, slightly used condition.
– Large medal bar. Comprised of:
– Iron Cross 2nd Class 1939, with the round „3“ in the date (!),
– Armed Forces Service Loyal Service Medal for 4 years in the Luftwaffe.
– Annexation of Czechoslovakia Medal.
– Spain Silver Bravery Medal „Medalla Militar Individual“, tombak/brass based and in a very good condition with all of the silver plate still present. Marked with the maker „Egana“. The 2nd highest bravery award of the Spanish armed forces, extremely rare (!).
– Spainish Medalla de la Campaña.
– The fitting case for the medal bar. Very good, slightly used condition.
– The fitting medal bar.
A complete group and all in good condition. Such groups rarely appear on the market.