Imperial German Army Officer's Litewka Tunic

First World War Bavarian "Litewka" officer's tunic. Light gray double-breasted tunic with dark blue piping and wide buttoned cuffs. Parade-style silver buttons on chest, collar and epaulets. Blue-lined Fliegertruppe (Aircraft Corps) lieutenant's epaulets. Iron Cross ribbon on front button placket, as well as two decoration loops on each side of the chest. Grey cotton-lined interior, with a slight tailor's mark under the left armpit. The owner has also inscribed his name "Ltn. Rothe" on the inside pocket. It is accompanied by dark blue pants, whose piping appears to have been removed. This is consistent with an officer seconded or transferred to Fliegertruppe service, adapting the uniform of his previous unit. A fine uniform with only minor wear and one or two very small repairs visible in the photo.

Note -This uniform most likely belonged to Lieutenant Ritter von Röth(e), one of the most famous Bavarian aviators of the First World War. Born in Nuremberg on September 29, 1893, Röth(e) first served with the 8th Bavarian Field Artillery Regiment, as evidenced by the tunic, before joining the air force after being wounded at the front. After becoming a pilot, he joined the Bavarian Air Force in 1917 and distinguished himself in particular by his ability to destroy enemy observation balloons, an extremely dangerous mission accomplished under heavy ground fire. Of his 28 aerial victories, a significant number involved the destruction of balloons. His successes in 1918 earned him rapid recognition, including the Knight's Cross of the Order of the House of Hohenzollern, promotion to Oberleutnant der Reserve and, finally, the Pour le Mérite on September 8, 1918. He was also awarded the Max Joseph Military Order. Unable to resign himself to Germany's defeat, he died in Nuremberg on January 1, 1919. A studio photo of him is included in the sale of this tunic.