LUFTWAFFE AND TOP BILLING

When it comes to desirability in collector circles, the Luftwaffe (LW) may take top billing. Which is interesting, for Kriegsmarine material is scarcer, WaffenSS both rare and notorious. Heer mementos are lots more plentiful, but too often deemed “common” in many collectors’ eyes. (Some exceptions being Grossdeutschland cuff titles, Feldgendermerie tunics, Panzer and assault gun wraps and “Normandy” camo helmets.)

Actually, of course, each uniformed service boasted elite units – army mountain troops, navy scuba divers, sharpshooters, army combat engineers, and special forces like the Army’s Brandenburgers. Members of these select groups often earned praise and honors.

Which explains why militaria enthusiasts favor combat versus non-combatant units. Warriors’ uniforms, decorations and gear all speak to personal courage

The German Air Force seems especially celebrated, even in popular culture, and more “colorful.” I mean those who took to the air — Luftwaffe pilots, air crewmen and, arguably, parachutists (Fallschirmjaeger.)

Flying status was conferred on very few. And it’s the airman’s stuff that is among the hobby’s most popular. Partly that’s down to the beauty and elegance of Luftwaffe uniforms and other wearables. But also, it’s to do with aviators full stop.

Likewise, a common bond links pilots in warring air services; that is, the mutual respect for engaging in life-threatening work. There are even cases where surviving airmen have become friends postwar.

Pilots, in a word, are special.