Mölders Hoffmann Postcard Questions

[Strider]

Here’s an example of the Hoffmann photo postcard of Luftwaffe Oberst Mölders. The interesting thing about it is that the photo was taken when Mölders was a Major. Looking closely, two extra gulls have been painted onto each of his collar tabs.



Has anybody got a Hoffmann postcard of Mölders at the rank of Oberstleutnant they could post a pic of? I know one exists but would like to see it.

And one final question, can anybody translate this text on the rear of the card for me?




Thanks

Lee
www.psywar.org

[Denis]

Hello
This method was commonly used by publishing company during the war. They follow the carreer of the recipients and very often they "airbrushed" the original photo to add OL for example or a new rank.
Here are several examples. Unfortunately, I do not have thez Mölders postcard from Hoffmann showing him as an Obstlt.

First Boigk as an Uffz. and KC recipient (from Film Foto Verlag)

[Denis]

Then the same photo but as OL recipient and Fw.

[Denis]

For LW fans, see this Marseille postcard : this first one depicts him as an Oblt. (even if the displayed rank is Hptm. !)

[Denis]

Finally the same photo with rank compliant with the caption (notice "applied" pips and seagul respectively on shoulder straps and collar patches)

[Dick Pumphrey]

Hi Denis,
GOOD JOB and great cards!
Dick

[Denis]

By the way, if any member have postcards from Film Foto Verlag (also known as Ross Verlag), I would be interested in knowing them since, with a friend, we tried to list all of them.
(They ar easy to identify :
a- they bear a R code on the obverse
b- Film Foto Verlag / Ross Verlag is mentioned on the reverse)
Thanks in advance
Regards
Denis

[Strider]

Denis, that's very interesting and thanks for the pics.

It seems this was a common practice. I'm surprised they even went as far as adding OL. Are these drawn in or montaged on (i.e. a photo of real OL pasted on top)?


Thanks

Lee

[Denis]

On Boigk's card, the OL are drawn.

Here is a photo where a real KC was added :

Regards
Denis

[Strider]

...and quite a good job they've made of it too! The KC fits into the photo very well.


So anyone out there with a copy of Oberstleutnant Mölders?





Thanks,

Lee

[MVV]

Hello Lee ,

Here is Mölders as Obstlt.

Best - Marc

http://users.skynet.be/max-wilhelm/images/Molders1.jpg

[Strider]

Thanks Marc for the great scan.

Interesting, despite the caption, he's actually a Major in your photo. Is there a photo of him out there as a genuine Oberstleutnant I wonder?

Lee

[Strider]

ooh that was my 30th post, qualified me as a member!