Impressive large size bust of the Pour le Mérite recipient Oswald Boelke (1891 -1916). Boelke was a German flying ace of WWI credited with 40 victories. He was one of the most influential patrol leaders and tacticians of the early years of air combat. Boelcke is honored as the father of the German fighter air force, as well as considered the "Father of Air Fighting Tactics".

Real bronze bust on the original base. Typical dark reddish brown patina. Nicely detailed piece of art. The artist has "HB" marked the base. It is 1936 dated.

ERZGUSS v. OSW. ZINKE, DRESDEN-A. maker marked to the reverse of the base. 
The bust is attached with two of three old screws which do not look to be the original ones to this bust.

This bust was most probably displayed at the RLM (Reichsluftfahrtministerium = Reich Ministry of Aviation) in Berlin next to the bust of Manfred von Richthofen by the same artist. The RLM building was erected in 1936/1936.

Weight: 12,1kg.
Height: 36cm