Original Item. Only One Available. Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen, known in English as Baron von Richthofen or the Red Baron, was a fighter pilot with the German Air Force during World War I. He is considered the ace-of-aces of the war, being officially credited with 80 air combat victories. This is a beautiful example of a bust of the Red Baron sculpted by Ferdinand Preiss (1882-1943).

Originally a cavalryman, Richthofen transferred to the Air Service in 1915, becoming one of the first members of fighter squadron Jagdstaffel 2 in 1916. He quickly distinguished himself as a fighter pilot, and during 1917 became the leader of Jasta 11. Later he led the larger fighter wing Jagdgeschwader I, better known as "The Flying Circus" or "Richthofen's Circus" because of the bright colours of its aircraft, and perhaps also because of the way the unit was transferred from one area of Entente air activity to another – moving like a travelling circus, and frequently setting up in tents on improvised airfields. By 1918, Richthofen was regarded as a national hero in Germany, and respected by his enemies.

Richthofen was shot down and killed over France near Vaux-sur-Somme on 21 April 1918. There has been considerable discussion and debate regarding aspects of his career, especially the circumstances of his death. He remains one of the most widely known fighter pilots of all time, and has been the subject of many books, films, and other media. Richthofen never married and had no known children.

This is a gorgeous & very sizable bust of the Red Baron, one of, if not the most well-known fighter pilot in history. The bust itself is roughly 16¼” tall with a 1¼” marble base at the bottom. The marble base has a 10” diameter. The bust is not symmetrically mounted to the base, however, and it is closer to one end than the other, and is a very small bit loose on the marble base, but it still displays without issue. The bottom of the bust itself reads ROTOR BARON MANFRED V RICHTHOFEN with 1892 - 1918 on the reverse side. The bust is signed F. PREISS on the back for Ferdinand Preiss (1882-1943).

The bust depicts Richthofen wearing his flight helmet & goggles with the Pour le Mérite commonly referred to as the Blue Max Medal around his neck. The order of merit was the highest royal Prussian order of bravery for officers of all ranks.

The bust has a heavy amount of greenish oxidation on the back and the base. A really phenomenal example of a bust of the most well-known fighter pilot in history. Comes ready for further research and display.