Germany, Luftwaffe. A 14kt Gold Luftwaffe Ring Belonging to Knight’s Cross Recipient Hauptmann Helbig Accompanied by a Signed Studio Photograph

A private purchase solid 14kt Gold commemorative Luftwaffe ring belonging to Luftwaffe bomber pilot Hauptmann Joachim Helbig, to mark the occasion of receiving the Oakleaves and Swords to the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross 1939 on September 28th, 1942. The ring is of solid Gold construction, the head featuring framed Luftwaffe-style eagle with open wings clutching a mobile swastika, along with the number “20” to the bottom right corner, the band is inscribed “Luftwaffe” along with an indecipherable inscription on the outside, and inscribed “Hptm. Joachim Helbig 28.9.42”, which is the rank he held when he was awarded the Oakleaves and Swords on that date, it is marked “585” denoting 14kt Gold (tested), “G-S”, along with an indecipherable Gold hallmark, the ring has an inside diameter of 21.mm (approximately size 11.25), measuring up to 3.0 mm thick, and weighing 14.49 grams.

Accompanied by a period authentic studio photograph of Hauptmann Joachim Helbig depicting his Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross 1939 with Swords and Oak Leaves, signed in the bottom third in blue pen, the signature is faded in spots but still clearly visible, the reverse is of a standard postcard format, measuring 90 mm (w) x 140 mm (l), in better than very fine condition. 

Footnote: Joachim Helbig (September 10th, 1915 - October 5th, 1985) joined the German Luftwaffe as a bomber pilot in 1936. He served in the Lehrgeschwader 1 and saw action during the Invasion of Poland, the Norwegian Campaign, the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain. He is the recipient of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross 1939 (awarded late 1940). He saw action in Malta and in support of the Africa Corps during the mid-war period, and was awarded the Oak Leaves and Swords to his Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross 1939 in late 1942 for the support of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel’s 1942 summer offensive. From August 1943 onward, Helbig served as the commander of Lehrgeschwader 1, serving in France after the Invasion of Normandy. In early 1945, he was transferred to the Eastern front and surrendered to the American forces at the end of the war. He pursued a civilian career after the war and died in Germany in 1985.