Pfalz D.IIIa question

Bauernopfer · 22 August 2019, 02:56 AM

Meikraft Models once sold a Pfalz D.IIIa kit with markings of
a certain Lt. Maier of Jasta 48

Someone's got more information concerning this pilot or this plane?
Is there a photo of the original plane?
Is someone willing to share this photo?

Thanks in advance

Gregvan · 22 August 2019, 05:18 AM

Hi Bauernopfer,

That's one I've been wondering about myself for a long time. I've never seen a photo of a Pfalz D.IIIa in such markings, that I can recall anyway.

While it is true that Jasta 48 had at least one Pfalz D.IIIa on strength, it wasn't marked like that.

The database of German aviation personnel that I have from the late Rick Duiven and Dr. Dieter H. Gröschel contains no record of any "Ltn. Maier" (or Meyer, or Meier) in Jasta 48. While this database isn't 100% complete, I'm inclined to doubt the accuracy of this color scheme. I have my doubts that the people at Meikraft models had access to some hitherto unknown photos or information.

If anyone has a photo or other info to contradict me, I'd enjoy being educated!

Just my two cents' worth.

Greg

Volker_Nemsch · 22 August 2019, 09:04 AM

.
... raises the question if the whole profile of this Pfalz D.IIIa is just a fantasy.

At least I think that "D.5897/18" is wrong, since a machine with such a high 5XXX/18 serial number must have been ordered somewhere in mid-1918 or later, long after the last Pfalz D.IIIa was completed.

The serial number 5897/17 would have made more sense in connection with a Pfalz D.IIIa, since there was a batch of 200 machines ordered in September 1917, ranging from 5354/17 to 6053/17. No. "D.5897/17" would have fit perfectly in this batch.

The style of the German national markings indicate, that the aircraft was (still) in service after 25.06.1918. But having in mind that Jasta 48 was one of the least successful Jastas of the whole GAS, it would make sense that they still were equipped with less modern equipment.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagdstaffel_48

Just an idea...

.

Aquilius · 22 August 2019, 12:20 PM

Volker is right with the serial.

D.5897/18 is not known (to me

).

If that would have been a Pfalz aircraft - then a Pfalz D.XII that was in production these days. However, still unlikely, since Pfalz batches ordered until October 1918 are known.

As indicated, probably mistaken with Pfalz D.IIIa D.5897/17.
These fighters were used in frontline service until summer 1918.
So modern crosses could have been applied to this machine, at least.

Cheers

Andreas

Bauernopfer · 22 August 2019, 12:49 PM

Thanks to all for the fast answers...
I also could go with the 5897/17
I have no probleme with the late style balkenkreuz marking for the Pfalzes were in service till late in the war or even after the war with Grenzschutztruppen; e.g. 6014/17

I only know the Pfalz D.IIIa with the coat of arms of the city of Köln. (Buddecke, thanks for the copy u once sent me....).

So probably a fake (that´s what I feared when I opened the thread

)

Regards
Markus