History

Airships were first developed in the form of static reconnaissance balloons and later as free-floating zeppelin-style aircraft. However, the development of comparatively cheap motor-powered airplanes eventually made the expensive, slow-moving, and highly inflammable airships easy targets for enemy pilots. During the course of the First World War, airships fell out of favour.

The first Honour Goblet for Successful Attacks from the Air was awarded in January of 1919. Not much is known about how and when the decoration was instituted.

The decoration was awarded to any airship crew member regardless of rank who proved instrumental in a successful bombing. This could, for example, be the helmsman for navigating the airship to the exact location despite fog or other unfavourable weather, a mechanic being able to fix the notoriously faulty machinery of the airship to ensure a successful return after the bombing, or the commander for displaying exceptional leadership qualities.

The goblet was awarded with an accompanying document and an octagonal wooden (mostly oak or walnut) plinth.

Contrary to the Honour Goblet for the Victor in Aerial Combat, the goblets awarded for airship crew members were all made of “800” silver and never of iron.

The decoration features the nordic thunder god Thor (spelled “Tor” on the goblet) swinging his hammer. The narrow bottom features an inscription stating the place and date of the recipient’s deed. The goblet stands on four spheres. The inside of the goblet was gilded. This was done to make it possible to drink out of it without the silver affecting the taste of the beverage. Over time, the gilding of some specimens may have been polished off.

The Honour Goblet for Successful Attacks from the Air is incredibly rarely encountered. Only about a dozen awardings have been confirmed so far.

The goblets usually measure just under 20cm in height and weigh around 350g.