Rhinebeck DVII

I recently previewed some info from the Rhinebeck Aerodrome. One of the replicas is a DVII with a fuselage paint scheme consisting of several knights jousting a spear on white canvas. I am curious if this paint scheme was pioneered by a real WWI pilot? And, if so, does anyone know who he was? What Jasta? His record...etc.?

Tom,

I believe it is a scene of a hunting party typical of that period. I just ran across information on the scene and if no one beats me to the punch, when I return from travelling, I'll get the whole story.

Bob M.

The markings on the Rhinebeck Fokker D-VII in question depict the "Seven Schwabians". Apparently these were characters in some sort of German fairy tale. Windsock magazine had a feature on this a few years back. This scheme, as depicted on the Rhinebeck machine, was inspired by an actual WW I machine. The way the Rhinebeck plane is painted is NOT, repeat NOT, an accurate replication of the WW I marking. This is in keeping with the color schemes on most Rhinebeck machines, color schemes that are mostly fantasy.

The D-VII in question served with Jasta 65, the pilot who's name escapes me scored no victories.
The "Seven Shwabiens" was also the symbol of a gymnastics organization that somehow relates to the story.

Tom:
The Fokker DVII at Rhinebeck represents the plane flown by Gef. Scheutzel of Jasta 65. The serial # is DVII (OAW) 4649/18. The decoration is from the Grimm folktale from Germany, the "Seven Swabians." In Germany, Swabians are supposed to be "hicks." They were fooled by the rabbit in the story. HTH

I ave not benn to Rheinbeck since the early 80s. The Albatros D5a was acurately painted in Von Schleiss scheme and the D7 was acurately painted a Vfw. Willi Gabriel of JG1.The Allied aircraft were also painted historically acurate.No fantasy that I saw!