teufelhunde.ret Posted January 24, 2010 Share #26 Posted January 24, 2010 OMG - by far and away the finest WW1 aviator grouping posted here to date. I'm pleased to see it in your safekeeping! Please add more as time permits! s/f Darrell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Cooper Posted January 24, 2010 Share #27 Posted January 24, 2010 Dennis, I am very happy you have posted this extensive group. I am looking forward to seeing more of the items and if possible how you decided to display the items. Cheers John P.S. Thanks for the close-up photos! I love the bullion on the uniform!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SGM (ret.) Posted January 24, 2010 Share #28 Posted January 24, 2010 Wow... I am simply stunned. Certainly one of the most historically significant intact groupings in existance! Thanks for sharing, and I hope to see more. Very inspirational from a collector's POV. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JGC Posted January 24, 2010 Share #29 Posted January 24, 2010 Fantastic, what more can be said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAW Posted January 24, 2010 Share #30 Posted January 24, 2010 Excellent. Like everyone else, I would love to have this in my collection. Thanks for showing it to us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted January 24, 2010 Share #31 Posted January 24, 2010 Wholey Moley Batman! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bheskett Posted January 24, 2010 Share #32 Posted January 24, 2010 Very nice grouping. Was that Eddie Richenbackers signature. I have his signature on a one dollar bill from WWII. But mine is nothing close to yours two thumbs up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belleauwood Posted January 24, 2010 Author Share #33 Posted January 24, 2010 Many thanks for the great comments. I'm honored. But credit needs to be given where it's due. This group was kept entirely intact and remarkably preserved by the individual that had it before me. Imagine the temptations to sell the duplicates that are in this archive. He is a man to be trusted and one that I have tremendous respect for. To him, it's not about the money. He allowed me to purchase this group for multiple thousands less the he had been offered years ago because he knew it would be well cared for and that I would not sell some the items that would never be missed. Thank you Steve. DJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belleauwood Posted January 24, 2010 Author Share #34 Posted January 24, 2010 Very nice grouping. Was that Eddie Richenbackers signature. I have his signature on a one dollar bill from WWII. But mine is nothing close to yours two thumbs up. [/quote Indeed it is! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croix de Guerre Posted January 24, 2010 Share #35 Posted January 24, 2010 This is without a doubt, the most intact, historically significant, WWI era aviation group known to exist. There may be others out there but they are not in the public forum. I would be willing to bet that the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum would be hard pressed to match this. This is a national treasure and you are fortunate beyond description to be able to do your part in its preservation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belleauwood Posted January 24, 2010 Author Share #36 Posted January 24, 2010 Unpublished photo of Walter Rheno by his Neuport - Note his personal insignia of the American Shield This was his first ship, a Neuport Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belleauwood Posted January 24, 2010 Author Share #37 Posted January 24, 2010 His new SPAD Pilots and men of his Escadrille - Rheno can be seen kneeling in the first row in each photo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belleauwood Posted January 24, 2010 Author Share #38 Posted January 24, 2010 Rheno's Foreign Legion Enlistment Doc His transfer from the legion to Aviation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belleauwood Posted January 24, 2010 Author Share #39 Posted January 24, 2010 Official French confirmation of his 1st kill Letter of Dr. Gros congratulating Rheno Official confirmation of 2nd kill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belleauwood Posted January 24, 2010 Author Share #40 Posted January 24, 2010 Photo of his last kill Written on back of photo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEAST Posted January 24, 2010 Share #41 Posted January 24, 2010 I can not imagine a more complete group still in existence! Kudos to you, the previous owner and the veteran's family for preserving this! You can reread and reread this thread and see something new each time. Thank you for posting this incredible grouping! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capa Posted January 24, 2010 Share #42 Posted January 24, 2010 Simply amazing. It serves as a reminder that Americans, throughout history, have put their lives on the line to defend liberty and our friends. I am reminded of the Americans who served in the Lincoln Brigade during the Spanish Civil War. Anyway, as a museum (temporarily laid off) professional, the word STEWARD comes to mind and I congratulate you on your role as steward of this collection. Cheers, Capa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belleauwood Posted January 24, 2010 Author Share #43 Posted January 24, 2010 Man, does this make it real Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belleauwood Posted January 24, 2010 Author Share #44 Posted January 24, 2010 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belleauwood Posted January 24, 2010 Author Share #45 Posted January 24, 2010 Can you believe this bill? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belleauwood Posted January 24, 2010 Author Share #46 Posted January 24, 2010 This photo was taken at Oak Bluffs, MA when Walter was repatriated and buried in Vineyard Haven. The photo on the casket is the one at the beginning of this post. Notice the '03's and the web belt leaning against the casket. What a tribute ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
37thguy Posted January 25, 2010 Share #47 Posted January 25, 2010 HOLY SCHMOKES! Makes me want to sell everything and start collecting WW 1 aviator groups. But why when the Holy Grail of them is posted here. Very nice doesn't quite say it very well does it? WOW! :jeal0001: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason G Posted January 25, 2010 Share #48 Posted January 25, 2010 Just.......incredible. Words can't properly describe it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boisbelleau Posted January 26, 2010 Share #49 Posted January 26, 2010 Absolutely amazing. Thanks for sharing Boisbelleau I have tried contacting you via the forum messenger, but it seems your mail box is full. Could you please contact me? Thanks. Therry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cthomas Posted January 26, 2010 Share #50 Posted January 26, 2010 Dennis- I'm beyond words right now. Utterly speechless.... I have enough composure to say "Thanks" for posting this truly historic grouping. It goes without saying that I'll be looking forward to hopefully more images soon... -Chuck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now