Richard Wagner - an honorary award for naval aviatorsTwo fully sculptured, fighting eagles in bronze, both screwed together, similar to the representation on the goblet of honour. The black, octagonal wooden pedestal with a dedication plaque on the front (one nail is missing): "Dem Sieger - im Luftkampf - 14. Jan. 1917 - Flugmaat Wagner". Overall height approx. 26 cm. The screw fitting is loose, slightly over-polished, with a beautiful patina and verdigris. Extremely rare find. Moreover, probably one of the first honorary awards as it was only instituted in January 1917. Until the end of the war, fewer than 100 awards were issued due to the lack of both materials and funds. Also includes a challenge trophy in the form of a silver cup engraved with six names from 1929 to 1934. Mark of fineness "800", height approx. 16.5 cm, weight approx. 192 g. Wagner's Iron Cross 1st Class (silver with magnetic iron core) in the presentation case. Richard Wagner (1893 - 1935): when war broke out in 1914, the qualified engine builder enlisted in the 1st naval aviator division, serving as flight instructor, and flew several missions, including the Aegean Sea. From 1923, he worked as a test pilot, later as head test pilot for Dornier in Marina di Pisa/Italy and Friedrichshafen. He set several aviation world records with the Dornier Wal flying boats. During a test manoeuvre over Lake Constance, the maiden flight of the legendary Do X was unexpectedly successful. In 1935, Wagner was killed while landing a Dornier Wal on Simssee in Upper Bavaria. Condition: II