Luftwaffe Large Estate from the Possession of Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves Recipient Major Theodor Weissenberger, Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves Recipient - the 10th Most Successful Fighter Pilot of World War II!
Awards included:
Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves of the Iron Cross 1939. The Knight's Cross is manufactured by Klein & Quenzer, reverse marked “800” silver. The Oak Leaves are a typical Godet manufacture, reverse marked “900” and “21”, complete on prepared neck ribbon. Heavily worn, condition 2-.
Additionally, another Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves of the Iron Cross 1939. The Knight's Cross is manufactured by Steinhauer & Lück, reverse marked “800”. The Oak Leaves are a typical Godet manufacture, reverse marked “900” and “21”. Heavily worn, condition 2-. The Knight's Cross was denazified by Weissenberger in US prisoner of war captivity in 1945.
German Cross in Gold, heavy version by Deschler, reverse with 4 rivets. Worn, with enamel damage on the swastika, condition 2.
Luftwaffe Pilot's Badge. Fine zinc, manufactured by BSW, condition 2.
Iron Cross 1939 1st Class. Worn, condition 2.
Front Flying Clasp for Fighters in Gold with pendant “400”. Non-ferrous metal version, one retaining bar on the pendant is missing (can be restored upon request), condition 2.
Eastern Front Medal, ribbon bar with 4 awards, 2 glider pilot badges.
4 victory sticks, lovingly crafted by comrades, hand-carved and painted, with all victories up to the 200th victory on 5.7.1944, belly landing, bailout from aircraft 1942, damage to a submarine, destruction of a railway train, etc. Includes several beautiful reproduction photos of Weissenberger showing him with one of these victory sticks.
Gift/medal case, manufactured by comrades. Made from aircraft sheet metal, beautifully crafted with his initial “W” and the wing and squadron insignia.
Documents and certificates included:
Award document for Luftwaffe Pilot's Badge, issued September 16, 1940.
Luftwaffe Pilot's License, issued July 22, 1940 by Flying Training Regiment 63 in Eger.
Appointment certificate to Feldwebel, issued December 23, 1940 by Flying School 4.
Aviator's license for aircraft pilot, issued September 28, 1939.
Aviator's license for glider pilot, issued July 18, 1941.
Award document for Iron Cross 2nd Class, issued November 6, 1941, original signature “Chief of Air Fleet 5 and Commander North Stumpff, Generaloberst”.
Award document for Front Flying Clasp for Fighters in Bronze, with the Destroyer Squadron J.G. 77, original signature “Major and Group Commander”.
Award document for Iron Cross 1st Class, issued February 17, 1942, original signature “Chief of Air Fleet 5 and Commander North Stumpff, Generaloberst”.
Appointment certificate to Oberfeldwebel, issued April 18, 1942 by II./J.G. 5.
NSFK award document for the Large German Glider Pilot Badge, dated July 14, 1942.
Award document for Front Flying Clasp for Fighters in Silver, issued March 26, 1942, original signature “Major and Group Commander”.
Award document for Honor Goblet for Special Achievement in Aerial Combat “in recognition of his outstanding bravery and special successes as a fighter pilot”, dated May 28, 1942.
Award document for Front Flying Clasp for Fighters in Gold, issued July 31, 1942, original signature “Oberstleutnant and Wing Commodore”.
Finland large award document for the Cross of Liberty IV Class with Swords, dated 1942.
Large award document for German Cross in Gold, issued September 8, 1942.
Award document for Eastern Front Medal, dated November 15, 1942.
Congratulatory letter from the Chief of Air Fleet 5 for the 100th aerial victory, dated August 2, 1942, original signature Stumpff, Generaloberst.
Preliminary award certificate for Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, awarded November 13, 1942, issued November 16, 1942.
Award certificate for Wound Badge in Black, issued by Staff Fighter Wing 5 on June 22, 1944, with original signature Wing Commodore (wound after emergency landing on June 8, 1944).
Total of 20 victory reports from the period May to July 1943. These are the 92nd to 104th victories, individually numbered. Each victory report consists of approximately 6 pages, comprising victory report, combat report, witness report, statement by intermediate authority, each signed by the Group Commander, Weissenberger and the eyewitness. 8 additional victory reports from July 18 to July 25, 1943 on corresponding forms, each signed by Weissenberger and the Squadron Leader.
Telegram from Adolf Hitler: “...I award you as the 266th soldier of the German Armed Forces the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.”, dated August 2, 1943.
Preliminary award certificate for the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, awarded August 2, 1943, issued August 3, 1943, original signature “Chief of Luftwaffe Personnel Office Loerzer Generaloberst”.
Telegram from Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring, congratulations on the award of Oak Leaves, dated August 5, 1943.
Most documents are mounted on large paper sheets.
Luftwaffe pay book, issued February 21, 1943, with very beautiful portrait photo as Oberleutnant with Knight's Cross and Oak Leaves. Filled with all entries, all awards up to “December 3, 1944 pendant to golden Front Flying Clasp for Fighters mission number 500”, all promotions up to Major on January 1, 1945, last entry January 30, 1945.
Luftwaffe military pass, issued August 28, 1936, filled with all entries, promotions, decorations, combat actions etc. Last entry: “on May 4, 1945 at Peterskirchen (Upper Bavaria) taken into American captivity (in the area of the 14th U.S.A. Armored Division). Prisoner of War Camp dated May 4, 1945”.
Luftwaffe gray linen identification card for members of flying personnel, issued December 29, 1944, with beautiful uniform photo with Knight's Cross and Oak Leaves, valid until 1st quarter 1945.
1st Front Service Record from 6./J.G. 5 with recorded victories from No. 1 (October 24, 1941) to victory No. 116 (October 13, 1943), each victory described in detail. Stamped “Fighter Wing 7” dated February 14, 1945 and signed.
2nd Front Service Record with recorded victories from No. 117 (October 13, 1943) to victory No. 200 (July 25, 1944), each victory described in detail. Stamped “Fighter Wing 7” dated February 14, 1945 and signed.
Large congratulatory certificate for 200th aerial victory, issued by I/Fighter Wing 5, dated “In the West, July 1944”. The certificate is artistically hand-painted on an original aviation map showing the English Channel and the French/English coast and sealed with the wing insignia of JG 5.
Telegram from Generalfeldmarschall Sperrle: Congratulations on 200th aerial victory, dated July 26, 1944. Additionally 2 more telegrams from General Bülowius and General Terboven for the 200th aerial victory.
Congratulatory certificate for 200th victory from the Airfield Commandant's Office on behalf of the ground personnel with 3 bottles of champagne.
Total of 17 additional telegrams from various generals: Congratulations for 100th aerial victory, for the award of Oak Leaves, for 150th victory, for promotions etc.
Large congratulatory certificate for promotion to Major. Hand-painted folding certificate, signed by the officers of I./JG 5, in red linen folder.
Gift certificate “For the 30th birthday of our commander Hptm. Theo Weissenberger the officer corps of I./J.G. 7 presents a drilling” (hunting rifle), dated December 21, 1944.
Beer newspaper “Christmas 1944” of 2./J.G. 7, the cover with colored depiction of a Me 262 in front of Christmas tree. Additionally another celebration newspaper from the headquarters company.
7 Luftwaffe flight logs, continuous for the years 1937 to August 1942. From September 1941 in front-line service on Bf110, combat missions and recorded victories from No. 1 to No. 22 on August 14, 1942.
Total of approximately 30 newspaper clippings about Weissenberger's successes.
Furthermore Third Reich papers: Voluntary Labor Service work pass, DLRG basic certificate and proficiency certificate with uniform photo, NSFK 4 flight logs, shooting book from 1941, driver's license from 1933, passport from 1938.
Old photocopy from discharge from US prisoner of war captivity, dated June 5, 1945, various papers and identification cards from the post-war period.
Additionally numerous beautiful reproduction photos of Weissenberger with his aircraft, comrades etc.
We were able to acquire this extensive estate directly from the family, included with the original sales confirmation from the son, dated November 2018.
Theodor Weissenberger (* December 21, 1914 in Mühlbach; † June 11, 1950 at Nürburgring).
In October 1936 he entered the 2nd Company of Flying Replacement Battalion 14 in Detmold. He was promoted to Feldwebel of the Reserve on December 1, 1940 and joined Fighter Wing 77 in August 1941. On October 24, 1941 he achieved his first aerial victory, was promoted to Oberfeldwebel of the Reserve on February 1, 1942 and to Leutnant on July 1, 1942.
In September 1942 he was transferred to the 6th Squadron of Fighter Wing 5. As a destroyer pilot he achieved 23 victories by that time, whereupon he was awarded the German Cross in Gold. After 15 more aerial victories he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on November 13, 1942. Promoted to Oberleutnant on June 1, 1943, he took over the 7th Squadron of Fighter Wing 5 as Squadron Leader on June 15, 1943.
The Oak Leaves were awarded to him after his 112th aerial victory on August 2, 1943. He took over the 6th Squadron as commander on September 14, 1943 and from March 26, 1944 became Commander of II Group of Fighter Wing 5. On June 1, 1944 he was promoted to Hauptmann and on June 3, 1944 became Commander of I Group of Fighter Wing 5. On July 25, 1944 he achieved his 200th aerial victory and subsequently converted to the new jet fighter Me 262. In November 1944 he became Commander of I Group of Fighter Wing 7. On January 1, 1945 he was promoted to Major and became Commodore of Fighter Wing 7. On over 500 combat missions Weissenberger had achieved 208 aerial victories by war's end. Weissenberger died in a racing accident at the Nürburgring on June 11, 1950. He is buried in Langenselbold in the old cemetery.
Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves of the Iron Cross 1939. The Knight's Cross is manufactured by Klein & Quenzer, reverse marked “800” silver. The Oak Leaves are a typical Godet manufacture, reverse marked “900” and “21”, complete on prepared neck ribbon. Heavily worn, condition 2-.
Additionally, another Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves of the Iron Cross 1939. The Knight's Cross is manufactured by Steinhauer & Lück, reverse marked “800”. The Oak Leaves are a typical Godet manufacture, reverse marked “900” and “21”. Heavily worn, condition 2-. The Knight's Cross was denazified by Weissenberger in US prisoner of war captivity in 1945.
German Cross in Gold, heavy version by Deschler, reverse with 4 rivets. Worn, with enamel damage on the swastika, condition 2.
Luftwaffe Pilot's Badge. Fine zinc, manufactured by BSW, condition 2.
Iron Cross 1939 1st Class. Worn, condition 2.
Front Flying Clasp for Fighters in Gold with pendant “400”. Non-ferrous metal version, one retaining bar on the pendant is missing (can be restored upon request), condition 2.
Eastern Front Medal, ribbon bar with 4 awards, 2 glider pilot badges.
4 victory sticks, lovingly crafted by comrades, hand-carved and painted, with all victories up to the 200th victory on 5.7.1944, belly landing, bailout from aircraft 1942, damage to a submarine, destruction of a railway train, etc. Includes several beautiful reproduction photos of Weissenberger showing him with one of these victory sticks.
Gift/medal case, manufactured by comrades. Made from aircraft sheet metal, beautifully crafted with his initial “W” and the wing and squadron insignia.
Documents and certificates included:
Award document for Luftwaffe Pilot's Badge, issued September 16, 1940.
Luftwaffe Pilot's License, issued July 22, 1940 by Flying Training Regiment 63 in Eger.
Appointment certificate to Feldwebel, issued December 23, 1940 by Flying School 4.
Aviator's license for aircraft pilot, issued September 28, 1939.
Aviator's license for glider pilot, issued July 18, 1941.
Award document for Iron Cross 2nd Class, issued November 6, 1941, original signature “Chief of Air Fleet 5 and Commander North Stumpff, Generaloberst”.
Award document for Front Flying Clasp for Fighters in Bronze, with the Destroyer Squadron J.G. 77, original signature “Major and Group Commander”.
Award document for Iron Cross 1st Class, issued February 17, 1942, original signature “Chief of Air Fleet 5 and Commander North Stumpff, Generaloberst”.
Appointment certificate to Oberfeldwebel, issued April 18, 1942 by II./J.G. 5.
NSFK award document for the Large German Glider Pilot Badge, dated July 14, 1942.
Award document for Front Flying Clasp for Fighters in Silver, issued March 26, 1942, original signature “Major and Group Commander”.
Award document for Honor Goblet for Special Achievement in Aerial Combat “in recognition of his outstanding bravery and special successes as a fighter pilot”, dated May 28, 1942.
Award document for Front Flying Clasp for Fighters in Gold, issued July 31, 1942, original signature “Oberstleutnant and Wing Commodore”.
Finland large award document for the Cross of Liberty IV Class with Swords, dated 1942.
Large award document for German Cross in Gold, issued September 8, 1942.
Award document for Eastern Front Medal, dated November 15, 1942.
Congratulatory letter from the Chief of Air Fleet 5 for the 100th aerial victory, dated August 2, 1942, original signature Stumpff, Generaloberst.
Preliminary award certificate for Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, awarded November 13, 1942, issued November 16, 1942.
Award certificate for Wound Badge in Black, issued by Staff Fighter Wing 5 on June 22, 1944, with original signature Wing Commodore (wound after emergency landing on June 8, 1944).
Total of 20 victory reports from the period May to July 1943. These are the 92nd to 104th victories, individually numbered. Each victory report consists of approximately 6 pages, comprising victory report, combat report, witness report, statement by intermediate authority, each signed by the Group Commander, Weissenberger and the eyewitness. 8 additional victory reports from July 18 to July 25, 1943 on corresponding forms, each signed by Weissenberger and the Squadron Leader.
Telegram from Adolf Hitler: “...I award you as the 266th soldier of the German Armed Forces the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.”, dated August 2, 1943.
Preliminary award certificate for the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, awarded August 2, 1943, issued August 3, 1943, original signature “Chief of Luftwaffe Personnel Office Loerzer Generaloberst”.
Telegram from Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring, congratulations on the award of Oak Leaves, dated August 5, 1943.
Most documents are mounted on large paper sheets.
Luftwaffe pay book, issued February 21, 1943, with very beautiful portrait photo as Oberleutnant with Knight's Cross and Oak Leaves. Filled with all entries, all awards up to “December 3, 1944 pendant to golden Front Flying Clasp for Fighters mission number 500”, all promotions up to Major on January 1, 1945, last entry January 30, 1945.
Luftwaffe military pass, issued August 28, 1936, filled with all entries, promotions, decorations, combat actions etc. Last entry: “on May 4, 1945 at Peterskirchen (Upper Bavaria) taken into American captivity (in the area of the 14th U.S.A. Armored Division). Prisoner of War Camp dated May 4, 1945”.
Luftwaffe gray linen identification card for members of flying personnel, issued December 29, 1944, with beautiful uniform photo with Knight's Cross and Oak Leaves, valid until 1st quarter 1945.
1st Front Service Record from 6./J.G. 5 with recorded victories from No. 1 (October 24, 1941) to victory No. 116 (October 13, 1943), each victory described in detail. Stamped “Fighter Wing 7” dated February 14, 1945 and signed.
2nd Front Service Record with recorded victories from No. 117 (October 13, 1943) to victory No. 200 (July 25, 1944), each victory described in detail. Stamped “Fighter Wing 7” dated February 14, 1945 and signed.
Large congratulatory certificate for 200th aerial victory, issued by I/Fighter Wing 5, dated “In the West, July 1944”. The certificate is artistically hand-painted on an original aviation map showing the English Channel and the French/English coast and sealed with the wing insignia of JG 5.
Telegram from Generalfeldmarschall Sperrle: Congratulations on 200th aerial victory, dated July 26, 1944. Additionally 2 more telegrams from General Bülowius and General Terboven for the 200th aerial victory.
Congratulatory certificate for 200th victory from the Airfield Commandant's Office on behalf of the ground personnel with 3 bottles of champagne.
Total of 17 additional telegrams from various generals: Congratulations for 100th aerial victory, for the award of Oak Leaves, for 150th victory, for promotions etc.
Large congratulatory certificate for promotion to Major. Hand-painted folding certificate, signed by the officers of I./JG 5, in red linen folder.
Gift certificate “For the 30th birthday of our commander Hptm. Theo Weissenberger the officer corps of I./J.G. 7 presents a drilling” (hunting rifle), dated December 21, 1944.
Beer newspaper “Christmas 1944” of 2./J.G. 7, the cover with colored depiction of a Me 262 in front of Christmas tree. Additionally another celebration newspaper from the headquarters company.
7 Luftwaffe flight logs, continuous for the years 1937 to August 1942. From September 1941 in front-line service on Bf110, combat missions and recorded victories from No. 1 to No. 22 on August 14, 1942.
Total of approximately 30 newspaper clippings about Weissenberger's successes.
Furthermore Third Reich papers: Voluntary Labor Service work pass, DLRG basic certificate and proficiency certificate with uniform photo, NSFK 4 flight logs, shooting book from 1941, driver's license from 1933, passport from 1938.
Old photocopy from discharge from US prisoner of war captivity, dated June 5, 1945, various papers and identification cards from the post-war period.
Additionally numerous beautiful reproduction photos of Weissenberger with his aircraft, comrades etc.
We were able to acquire this extensive estate directly from the family, included with the original sales confirmation from the son, dated November 2018.
Theodor Weissenberger (* December 21, 1914 in Mühlbach; † June 11, 1950 at Nürburgring).
In October 1936 he entered the 2nd Company of Flying Replacement Battalion 14 in Detmold. He was promoted to Feldwebel of the Reserve on December 1, 1940 and joined Fighter Wing 77 in August 1941. On October 24, 1941 he achieved his first aerial victory, was promoted to Oberfeldwebel of the Reserve on February 1, 1942 and to Leutnant on July 1, 1942.
In September 1942 he was transferred to the 6th Squadron of Fighter Wing 5. As a destroyer pilot he achieved 23 victories by that time, whereupon he was awarded the German Cross in Gold. After 15 more aerial victories he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on November 13, 1942. Promoted to Oberleutnant on June 1, 1943, he took over the 7th Squadron of Fighter Wing 5 as Squadron Leader on June 15, 1943.
The Oak Leaves were awarded to him after his 112th aerial victory on August 2, 1943. He took over the 6th Squadron as commander on September 14, 1943 and from March 26, 1944 became Commander of II Group of Fighter Wing 5. On June 1, 1944 he was promoted to Hauptmann and on June 3, 1944 became Commander of I Group of Fighter Wing 5. On July 25, 1944 he achieved his 200th aerial victory and subsequently converted to the new jet fighter Me 262. In November 1944 he became Commander of I Group of Fighter Wing 7. On January 1, 1945 he was promoted to Major and became Commodore of Fighter Wing 7. On over 500 combat missions Weissenberger had achieved 208 aerial victories by war's end. Weissenberger died in a racing accident at the Nürburgring on June 11, 1950. He is buried in Langenselbold in the old cemetery.
