Editions of Der Rote Kampfflieger

Someone · 4 October 2008, 11:49 AM

I just recently purchased a 1917 edition of "Der Rote Kampfflieger" and am currently awaiting its delivery. The dealer advertised the book as a first edition and charged me roughly 180 Euros for it.

I am an absolute newbie when it comes to antiques, so I had no idea what to expect. I already own several copies of the book dated back to 1933 and was eager to obtain an older edition. I originally thought of posting this in the "Books and Magazines" section, but since I buy these books as memorabilia and collector's items, I decided to try here first. Please feel free to correct this mistake if I am in the wrong place.
Does anyone know exactly when and how many times this book was published and what I can expect from a "first edition"?

crankcase · 4 October 2008, 11:28 PM

I don't recall how many were issued in 1917.
Do you have a description of the book? It is in a slender soft back format, reflecting I suppose the economies of a war time society. i handled a 1917 copy in bucharest (the university library has one). i think you paid a fair price, since these seem to be very rare...

...unlike the 1933 version, of which i own approx. 8 copies (both black and red covers). i donated one to the buchrest library in return for a photocopy they made for me of the 1917 edition. there seem to be so many of the 1933 edition that the price never seems to move. and i was counting on these for my retirement!

marc

Someone · 5 October 2008, 02:35 AM

I haven't seen it yet, unfotunately, but the description paid more attention to the details of its flaws than an actual account of its appearance. It did mention the fact that it is a soft cover and that the outer binding is a bit damaged due to staining, dents and tears. Here is the original description in German:

. Richthofen, Manfred Freiherr von: - Der rote Kampfflieger. 1. Auflage! - Berlin, Ullstein, 1917. - 184 S. Mit 11 Abb. auf Tafeln. kl. 8°. Orig.Pappband - Einband stärker beschädigt (mehrere Knicke, Abriß am vorderen Deckel. Rücken fleckig). Innen ebenfalls eine Seite mit kleinem Eckabriß. Insgesamt 6 Eigentümerstempel auf den ersten Blättern und handschriftlicher Namenseintrag auf dem Titelblatt. Von diesen Mängeln abgesehen, sehr gut erhalten. Ausgesprochen seltene Erstauflage - Militaria - Fliegerei..

I can take pictures of it when it arrives.

I too, own both red and black copies of the 1933 edition, but only four!

They are currently being sold on Ebay anywhere from 5 to 30 Euros, although I have been unable to distinguish the difference between a 30 Euro version and a 5 Euro one. Does cover color make a difference here? Or are there other minute distinctions that allow the price to vary so much?

Someone · 8 October 2008, 09:44 AM

I got it!

http://i462.photobucket.com/albums/q...g/P1010069.jpg

crankcase · 8 October 2008, 12:03 PM

That looks like Ullsteinkriegsverlag, right?
marc

Someone · 8 October 2008, 12:22 PM

Exactly. What do you think? Worth 180 Euros? It is remarkably stable and well bound, considering its fragile appearance. A tiny little thing!
I have read that the 1920 edition, released by Richthofen's mother, is the rarest version available, due to lack of interest and a very limited number of copies. Have you heard anything in regards to this?

frontflieger · 9 October 2008, 10:42 AM

Hi,

I own the following editions:

1917
192X "Ein Heldenleben"
1933,
193X (German short-hand-writing),
1974 (together with a psyologial study)
1989
1991 (with an introducion of NATO-Chief Manfred Wörner)

... that's it ;o)

Thorsten

Someone · 18 October 2008, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frontflieger

Hi,

I own the following editions:

1917
192X "Ein Heldenleben"
1933,
193X (German short-hand-writing),
1974 (together with a psyologial study)
1989
1991 (with an introducion of NATO-Chief Manfred Wörner)

... that's it ;o)

Thorsten

How much did the 1920 version cost and where did you get it (if you don't mind my asking)?

Elisabeth

crankcase · 18 October 2008, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Someone

...
I too, own both red and black copies of the 1933 edition, but only four!

They are currently being sold on Ebay anywhere from 5 to 30 Euros, although I have been unable to distinguish the difference between a 30 Euro version and a 5 Euro one. Does cover color make a difference here? Or are there other minute distinctions that allow the price to vary so much?

I don't see a difference between balck and red covers. There are different printing years (1933, 1935, possibly others during the 3rd Reich). The price varies on condition and supply-demand (there are so many around).
marc

Someone · 18 October 2008, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crankcase

I don't see a difference between balck and red covers. There are different printing years (1933, 1935, possibly others during the 3rd Reich). The price varies on condition and supply-demand (there are so many around).
marc

All of my editions carry the copyright 1933, but some are definitely newer, since they already promote books that appeared later (like the diaries of Kunigunde von Richthofen or books about events during WWII). One of my books is clearly thinner than the rest and bears no such advertisement.... I can only guess that this might be an original from 1933.