Rare 1930s Minimoa Glider Line-Up – Richard Pätzold, Hans Harth, D-Hellkopf – Hans Schnaller Photograph

This striking original 1930s photograph by renowned Berlin aviation photographer Hans Schnaller captures a rare lineup of Göppingen Gö 3 “Minimoa” sailplanes at a German national soaring event in the years just prior to WWII.

In the foreground is D-Hellkopf, its bold fuselage registration sharply visible. Just beyond is D-Ludwigsburg (No. 55), flown by noted German pilot Richard Pätzold, and next in line is No. 26, flown by fellow competitor Hans Harth. Each aircraft bears the distinctive swastika tail marking mandated for German civil aircraft during the Nazi period.

The Minimoa, designed by Martin Schempp and Wolf Hirth and first flown in 1935, became one of the most celebrated sailplanes of its era, famous for its elegant gull wing, advanced aerodynamics, and record-setting performance. This image is further enriched by the handwritten caption on the reverse, describing the tactical considerations of glider launches—waiting for optimal wind and cloud conditions and the strategic advantage of delayed starts for long-distance flights.

• Photographer: Hans Schnaller (Berlin-Wilmersdorf)

• Aircraft Type: Göppingen Gö 3 “Minimoa” sailplanes

• Pilots Identified: Richard Pätzold, Hans Harth

• Era: Mid- to late-1930s

• Format: Vintage gelatin silver print with photographer’s stamp and period ink annotation

• Condition: Excellent tonal quality and detail, minor handling wear consistent with age

A rare, historically rich image showcasing multiple named Minimoa gliders and prominent pilots, making it highly desirable for collectors of classic sailplanes, pre-WWII German aviation, and competitive soaring history.