Germany, Luftwaffe. A Rare Honour Goblet and Case Set to Karl Jensen, Mediterranean Theatre KIA, by Johann Wagner & Sohn

(Luftwaffe Ehrenpokal für besondere Leistungen im Luftkrieg für Feldwebel Karl Jensen, mit Etui). Constructed of a nickel silver frame with silver exterior plating, the exterior bearing a raised depiction of two eagles engaged in combat executed in exceptional detail, the opposite side bearing a 1939 Iron Cross similarly executed in high relief, the stem decorated with raised oak leaves and acorns, situated above an engraved dedication of “FELDWEBEL KARL JENSEN”, with an award date of “AM 1. 9. 42”, the obverse of the base base bearing a raised inscription of “FÜR BESONDERE LEISTUNG IM LUFTKRIEG (“FOR EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE IN THE AIR WAR”), the reverse of the base marked “ALPAKA” indicating nickel silver construction, with a mark of “FEINSILBER AUFLAGE” indicating fine silver plating, situated above a maker’s mark of “JOH. WAGNER & SOHN” for the noted Berlin firm of Johann Wagner, measuring 10 cm (w) x 20.5 cm (h), weighing 392.6 grams, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux dark blue leather exterior liner, the interior with a padded off-white rayon liner and intact hinge cover, with a custom-fitted dark blue velvet bed, fastening closed with a functional magnetic metal snap button, unmarked, measuring 15 cm (w) x 16 cm (h) x 11.5 cm (h), demonstrating minor material fatigue to the case, including the partial collapse of the bed, partial detachment of one hinge, and minor material fatigue to the exterior liner, a rare and superb set in overall near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Karl Jensen was born on 8 January 1915 in Flensburg, Schleswig Holstein. He flew 320 combat missions, in part with II. Gruppe, Kampfgeschwader 76, earning a number of awards in addition to the Honour Goblet offered, including the 1939 Iron Cross II Class, the 1939 Iron Cross I Class, the Sudetenland Medal, the Eastern Front Medal, the Pilot's Badge, the Bomber Clasp in Bronze, Silver, and Gold Grades with Hanger (the latter two on 22 March 1942 and 9 February 1943, respectively), and the German Cross in Gold (officially dated 19 February 1943, but with a Wehrpaß entry of 15 March 1943, the latter likely indicating physical receipt of the award). Jensen was killed in action on 14 July 1943 in Catania, Sicily, which was a site of strategic importance to Luftwaffe forces in the Mediterranean theatre.