An original named Luftwaffe Honour Goblet (Ehrenpokal für besondere Leistungen im Luftkrieg), manufactured from solid 835 silver by the renowned Berlin firm Joh. Wagner & Sohn. The goblet bears the engraved name Hans Werner Pohls and the date 25.02.1942. The base is marked with the 835 silver hallmark, crescent moon, crown and eagle, together with the manufacturer's mark of Joh. Wagner & Sohn.
The goblet is in exceptional condition, beautifully preserved with its original surface and attractive natural patina. There is no noticeable rubbing or significant wear. A particularly impressive example that has retained its original appearance and character.
Hans Werner Pohls was born on 21 August 1920 in Kattbek, Kreis Rendsburg, Germany. He was a Luftwaffe bomber pilot who served with 9./Kampfgeschwader 76 (KG 76), flying the Junkers Ju 88. During operations on the Eastern Front, his Ju 88 A-5, Werknummer 8091, bearing the tactical code F1+JT, was lost in the Baisogala area on 23 June 1941. The crew survived and subsequently returned to service.
Pohls later attained the rank of Oberleutnant and became Staffelkapitän (Squadron Commander) of 9./KG 76. His decorations included the Iron Cross 2nd Class, Iron Cross 1st Class, German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold), the Luftwaffe Honour Goblet and the Bomber Operational Clasp. The Kracker Luftwaffe Archive records the award of the Honour Goblet on 2 March 1942, while the goblet itself is engraved with the date 25 February 1942. His German Cross in Gold is recorded with the date 10 November 1942.
On 10 September 1942, Oberleutnant Hans Werner Pohls was killed together with his crew when their Junkers Ju 88 A-4, Werknummer 6784, was lost near Jagodny, southwest of Stalingrad.
A historically interesting and beautifully preserved named Luftwaffe Honour Goblet, made of solid 835 silver by Joh. Wagner & Sohn, associated with an identified Luftwaffe officer, his operational unit and wartime history. An outstanding addition to an advanced collection of Luftwaffe awards and WWII German aviation militaria.