Product Description: This Luftwaffe Honor Goblet (Ehrenpokal für Besondere Leistung im Luftkrieg) is a superb and well-preserved example of one of the most iconic awards presented to German aircrew during World War II. Produced in Alpaka, a nickel silver alloy, this goblet has developed an attractive, even patina that speaks to its age and authenticity. It remains in overall excellent condition, with only a few very minor dings and light pitting visible—none of which detract from the presentation or integrity of the piece.
Engraved around the base is the name of the recipient, Oberfeldwebel Günter Jäschke, along with the award date, 15. Juni 1942. At the time of presentation, Jäschke was serving as a Bordfunker (radio operator) in a Luftwaffe flight crew. His distinguished service earned him not only this Honor Goblet but also both the Iron Cross 2nd and 1st Class, underscoring his bravery and effectiveness in combat operations.
The goblet stands approximately 200 mm tall and is composed of two finely crafted and joined sections. The obverse features a striking relief of two Luftwaffe eagles locked in combat, while the reverse bears a sharply rendered Iron Cross in high relief. The stem is decorated with traditional oak leaves and acorns, and the inscription “Für Besondere Leistung im Luftkrieg” (“For Special Achievement in the Air War”) is prominently displayed around the base. The underside is clearly marked with the manufacturer’s name, Jon. Wagner & Sohn, along with Feinsilber and ALPACA, denoting the high-quality materials used in its production.
With its strong provenance, excellent condition, and ties to a decorated combat crew, this Ehrenpokal represents both a significant historical artifact and a highly desirable addition to any serious collection of Third Reich militaria or Luftwaffe memorabilia.
Historical Description: The Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (Honor Goblet of the Luftwaffe) was a prestigious German military award instituted on 27 February 1940 by Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring, then serving as the Reich Minister of Aviation and Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe. Officially titled Ehrenpokal für Besondere Leistung im Luftkrieg (“Honor Goblet for Special Achievement in the Air War”), this award was created to recognize exceptional feats in aerial combat by flying personnel, including both pilots and aircrew members.
The Honor Goblet occupied a unique place in the hierarchy of Luftwaffe awards. It was conferred upon those who had already received the Iron Cross First Class but whose actions had not yet met the threshold required for higher honors such as the German Cross in Gold or the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross. As such, the Ehrenpokal served as an intermediate recognition of valor and merit in the air war. The first documented recipient was Oberstleutnant Johann Schalk, who was awarded the goblet on 21 August 1940.
According to surviving wartime records, approximately 58,000 names were listed as having received the Ehrenpokal “on paper” in the Ehrenliste der Deutschen Luftwaffe (Honor List of the German Air Force), but only an estimated 13,000 to 15,000 physical goblets were actually produced and awarded. This discrepancy likely reflects wartime production limitations, attrition, and changes in the Luftwaffe’s award system. By January 1944, the Ehrenpokal was formally replaced by the Luftwaffe Honour Roll Clasp.
The goblet itself is an impressive and elegant object, measuring approximately 200 mm in height with a diameter of around 100 mm. It was manufactured either in fine silver (Feinsilber) or in nickel silver, commonly referred to as Alpaka. Constructed in two separately crafted pieces joined to form a single unit, the goblet features a dramatic depiction of two eagles engaged in mortal combat on its obverse, symbolizing the deadly struggle for air superiority. The reverse displays a raised Iron Cross, and the stem is embellished with oak leaves and acorns—a motif often associated with German military tradition. The base bears the inscription Für Besondere Leistung im Luftkrieg, signifying the purpose and prestige of the award.
Today, the Ehrenpokal stands as a striking relic of Luftwaffe history and remains highly sought after by collectors of World War II militaria for its artistry, symbolism, and association with Germany’s aerial campaigns during the war.
