Description
We are pleased to be able to offer this newly consigned Fliegerbluse of Diamonds Winner Helmut Lent. Tunic’s Background: Helmut Lent (13 June 1918 – 7 October 1944) was a German night fighter ace during World War II who shot down an impressive 110 aircraft, of that total 102 of them were at night. Helmut Lent claimed his first nocturnal victory on 12 May 1941. On 30 August 1944 Helmut Lent was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for 22 victories. His steady accumulation of aerial victories resulted in regular promotions and awards. On the night of 15 June 1944, Major Helmut Lent was the first night fighter pilot to claim 100 nocturnal aerial victories which earned him the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds (15th recipient) on 31 July 1944. Lent and his Ju-88 crew died as the result of a non-combat air crash landing in October 1944, and received a state funeral in Berlin. Night Fighter Ace and Diamonds Winner Helmut Lent was promoted to Oberst posthumously.
The offered Fliegerblusen were originally in the collection of the Deutsche Luftwaffenmuseum. The museum, which was initially based in Uetersen, had a vast collection of NS-period Luftwaffe insignia, uniforms, decorations, etc. In 1995, the museum was relocated to Gatow in Berlin, and at that time, refocused its attention on the postwar development of the German Air Force, including the East German Air Force after reunification. It appears that a decision was made to dispose of much of the Third Reich period material, perhaps for political reasons. Many pieces, including a vast number of collar tabs, shoulder straps, and other material appeared on the market.
In 2009, three garments formerly worn by Lent, one four pocket service blouse and two Fliegerblusen, were acquired by a well-known German collector/dealer. He took the precaution of approaching the museum to ascertain that these were indeed pieces worn by Lent and were formerly in the museum collection. This was confirmed, with the information that they had been donated directly from the Lent family. The original letter from the Luftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr confirming that the uniform was obtained, with another fliegerbluse and 4 pocket tunic, from the Lent family in the 1960s will be included. Both blouses offered here are privately made, earlier war quality garments exhibiting overall patina from wear as well as wartime repair and alteration with the purpose of prolonging their service use.
Product Description: This Fliegerbluse of Diamonds Winner Helmut Lent is constructed of somewhat heavier quality trikot wool, and has slightly padded shoulders. It is lined in ribbed black rayon with striped sleeve linings. It has a single internal breast pocket, an open collar, four tan colored plastic button front closure, and slashed hip pockets; due to wear and perhaps reflecting the thrift of its former owner. The entire collar, and lapel section, was professionally period replaced with new components of closely matching blue grey colored ribbed trikot. A section of the lower inner skirt was replaced using the same fabric; this most likely at the same time that the collar was replaced. Rectangular sections of the lower rear sleeves were also repaired, but perhaps at a different time as the the replacement fabric is slightly different. This too was accomplished with machine sewing, and the lower cuff edges were reworked at the same time. Insignia includes sewn in shoulder boards that are held with smaller silver pebbled buttons. The collar patches are machine straight stitched and the collar’s lower edge is piped in thinner twisted aluminum cording. The outline of the national emblem is clearly visible, but it has been removed. The Narvik shield was also removed from this Fliegerblusen but its outline is plainly visible, and clear sign of the shield’s outline may be observed to the corresponding sleeve lining. The cloth pilot’s badge is embroidered in aluminum and silver wires, and is originally hand sewn below the EKI award loops. At one time a screw back EKI was worn, as there is a small hole for the post and the outline from the back plate is visible inside the internal breast pocket. In addition, there are also loops for a short ribbon bar. Loops for the German Cross in Gold are located at the right lower breast. It would seem this Fliegerblusen may have been favored by Lent and, in fact, it appears possible to be the very same garment worn by him in 1942; perhaps before alteration, as shown in the photograph on page 143 of The Lent Papers by Peter Hinchliffe. As with the other blouse, there is fading to exposed areas, and sections of the lining seams have been resewn by hand. There is a darned repair, using closely matching fabric, to the upper right front shoulder area as well as a couple of small stains and picks. The lower sleeves’ ends show wear and age that occurred subsequent to their repair. The original letter from the Luftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr confirming that the uniforms were obtained from the family of Diamonds Winner Helmut Lent in the 1960s will be included.
This is a rare opportunity to own a service worn garment by Diamonds Winner Helmut Lent, one of history’s most famous and highly regarded pilots.
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