Pre-WWII German Glider Competition Photograph – D-CHEMNITZ III, Wasserkuppe, Hans Schaller

This original pre-WWII German aviation photograph, attributed to renowned Berlin aviation photographer Hans Schaller, captures a dramatic moment at what is likely the Wasserkuppe—Germany’s legendary gliding site and cradle of world soaring.

In the scene, multiple sailplanes bearing swastika insignia stand ready on the grassy slope, their tail numbers clearly visible, including D-CHEMNITZ III. In the distance, one glider has just launched, gracefully circling above the sweeping valleys below. The visual composition—ground activity in the foreground and a lone soaring aircraft in the sky—perfectly embodies the dynamic atmosphere of 1930s German competitive gliding.

The reverse side features Hans Schaller’s copyright stamp (Berlin-Wilmersdorf) and a handwritten technical note in German:

"In self-flying, one must not force altitude as is seen in this picture. It will be lost quietly through an inevitable nose-dive..."

This adds unique pilot insight from the era, turning the image into both a historical document and a teaching artifact from the early days of glider flight under the Third Reich—when aviation was increasingly tied to state ideology and military preparation.

A rare and visually compelling addition for collectors of aviation history, pre-WWII German sport culture, or Hans Schaller photography.

Key Features:

• Date: Circa mid-1930s

• Location: Likely Wasserkuppe, Germany

• Photographer: Hans Schaller (Berlin-Wilmersdorf)

• Aircraft: German sailplanes including D-CHEMNITZ III, with swastika tail markings

• Medium: Original black-and-white silver gelatin print

• Reverse Markings: Copyright stamp + handwritten glider training note in German

• Condition: Excellent contrast; light handling marks consistent with archival storage; crisp detail of gliders and insignia