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WW2 German Luftwaffe Nitsche u. Gunther – SPLINTER-PROOF GOGGLES – VET ESTATE!
Available
$1999.99
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Description
You are bidding on a STUNNING and RARE boxed set of WW2 German Luftwaffe Pilot Nitsche und Günther Splinter-Proof Goggles (Schutzbrille), Fl. 30550! Though these were used by many fighter and bomber pilots throughout the late stages of the war, this SPECIFIC example (along with the Flight Helmet I have listed), came from the estate of Oberstleutnant Hans Karl Stepp, who was a Knight's Cross Holder and Wing Commander throughout the war .Hans-Karl Stepp (2 September 1914 – 12 December 2006) was a German ground attack pilot and wing commander during World War II. He was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, a grade of the highest award in the military and paramilitary forces of Nazi Germany during World War II.He fought in the Invasion of Poland and Battle of France and was awarded the Iron Cross second and first class, the latter on 15 June 1940. Stepp was transferred to Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 (StG 2—2nd Dive Bomber Wing) in May 1941. He became the wing's adjutant and flew with the Stabstaffel (command flight). He was awarded the Honour Goblet of the Luftwaffe (Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe) on 9 September 1941 as Oberleutnant on the Eastern Front. Stepp became a Staffelkapitän and led 7. Staffel (7th squadron) of StG 2. He was awarded the German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) on 15 October 1941 and Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) on 4 February 1942 for 418 combat missions. Stepp briefly as commander of I./StG 5 from 27 January 1942. On 23 June 1942 Stepp became permanent commanding officer. On 2 March 1943 Stepp was ordered to Rechlin and appointed head of the Versuchskommando für Panzerbekämpfung (Experimental Detachment for Anti-tank Warfare). On 18 May 1943 Stepp was sent to StG 1 and 17 June took command of II./StG 2 with the rank of Major.He flew over 900 missions,a nd after the war he became a lawyer and sadly died in Leipzig on the 12th December 2006.Development of flight goggles began with the advent of military aircraft during WW1. In the early 1930's the German firm, 'Nitsche & Günther' designed splinter goggles that were based on a pattern that was originally developed by the British firm 'Triplex'. During WW2, the Luftwaffe used a wide variety of protective goggles, which all followed the same basic design. Originally this type of goggle came in a single piece frame with clear lenses (similar to sunglasses), however as of 1942, tinted lenses were introduced, and finally in 1944, came the latest model, featuring a 3-piece frame with adjustable nose bridge.This set of Nitsche und Günther Flight goggles set is in VERY NICE used condition! Obtained from the estate of Hans Karl Stepp (along with the Flight Cap in my other listing), thebakelite frames feature some light scratching and wear from being used in combat. Slight marks on the lenses, but NO scratches or damage!The elastic straps are still solid, and being the later model (1945), the only part of the strap that has elasticity is the few inches at the rear (main strap was not elasticized). Much of the elasticity is still intact, but they have stretched a bit from use. Overall these retain approx. 95% their original finish, and being later model, does not feature the maker name stamped into the frame. Some dirt and dust from storage, as mentioned, but that could easily be cleaned up. EASILY one of the NICEST sets I have seen, it would make for an AMAZING addition to any collection or display!