Smithsonian Institution
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Asset Name:
media:NASM-A58CBA5DA1CC2_001

File Usage:

Not determined
There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page at https://www.si.edu/Termsofuse


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Object details:

Object Name: Fabric, Insignia, German Air Service, Frank Luke Trophy
Smithsonian Record ID: edanmdm:nasm_A19500169000

	Object Name
	Fabric, Insignia, German Air Service, Frank Luke Trophy

	Metadata Usage
	Not determined

	Guid
	http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv9a51bea3c-9ddf-4e07-bafd-d94f2ec73714

	Data Source
	National Air and Space Museum

	Materials
	Linen

	Materials
	Coating

	Dimensions
	2-D - Unframed (H x W): 123 x 113cm (48 7/16 x 44 1/2 in.)

	Physical Description
	Fabric aircraft insignia, straight black cross ("Balkenkreuz"), painted on lozenge-pattern camouflage fabric; camouflage pattern is more clearly visible on underside of fabric. Item shows evidence of wear and aging.

	Summary
	This fabric insignia was cut from a German aircraft reportedly shot down by Lieutenant Frank Luke, Jr., an ace with the 27th Aero Squadron of the United States Army Air Service (USAAS). Luke's total of 18 enemy kills included four aircraft. Therefore the source of this fabric insignia was a Fokker D.VII, a Halberstadt C, or a Hannover CL aircraft.

	Summary
	The straight black cross, often called the "Balkenkreuz," was a World War I insignia adopted by the German Air Service in mid-April 1918. Variations of the straight cross design replaced the earlier "cross pattée" insignia on all German aircraft for the duration of the conflict and beyond.

	Country of Origin
	Germany

	Credit Line
	Donated by Mrs. Mary E. "Mother" Tusch

	Inventory Number
	A19500169000

	Type
	MEMORABILIA-World War I

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