The History of Ehrenbecher Cupsand the Lineage of Indy's Silver Goblet
Ehrenbecher cups - also known as Honor Goblets - were an outgrowth of the popular silver cups given to just about anyone for achievement in any field from roughly 1890 through the end of World War II. There was no true standard for these honor cups; they were simply commissioned by any individual, organization or agency that wanted to award one. They came in all shapes and sizes with all sorts of inscriptions and designs. They were widely used as prizes for anything from American baseball to British opera to French politics. The only real constant among them was the use of silver or some alloy that replicated it. Years before they became known as "Ehrenbechers," German aces received these cups as awards during World War I. They were highly prized as trophies on par with any official bravery medal. Ehrenbechers were given to commemorate a pilot's first aerial victory or a successful zeppelin raid. But they were also awarded unofficially by Allied troops as sentimental gifts to particularly beloved commanders or on special occasions which required the equivalent of today's plaques or trophies. |
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The designs of these cups varied widely throughout the First World War. The Red Baron is particularly identified with honor goblets because he commissioned one to celebrate each of his first sixty kills. They were lost when his family's estate was overrun by the Russian Army in World War II but at least seven of them are known to still exist. One reputedly sold for over twenty-seven thousand dollars a few years ago.
The goblets remained widely popular between the wars. Generally, cups were accepted as international marques of excellence. The "America's Cup" of sailing and the 1904 Vanderbilt Cup of auto racing were common examples typical of the era.
By the time World War II began silver cups were at the height of their popularity and quickly regained their military connotation through official use by the German Luftwaffe, which awarded them to its most successful aviators. The major German aviation companies sponsored the cups, with every award being personally approved by Hermann Goering.
Each of the World War II Ehrenbechers - as they were officially known - was ordered from the same Berlin jeweler. Prior to 1942 they were comprised of a high grade composite containing 83.5% silver. Late in the war, when precious metals were in short supply, the goblets were made of a less expensive alloy that had a slightly darker hue than genuine silver.
After World War II the honor goblets fell out of favor, perhaps due to their war-time affiliation with the Nazi party. Today they are among the most sought-after collectibles in military history.
The Indy Squadron's Silver Goblet continues this remarkable tradition by awarding an engraved, silver-plated honor cup to the champion of the Red Baron Fight every spring. There can be little doubt that Manfred von Richthofen, the Red Baron himself, would heartily approve.
The goblets remained widely popular between the wars. Generally, cups were accepted as international marques of excellence. The "America's Cup" of sailing and the 1904 Vanderbilt Cup of auto racing were common examples typical of the era.
By the time World War II began silver cups were at the height of their popularity and quickly regained their military connotation through official use by the German Luftwaffe, which awarded them to its most successful aviators. The major German aviation companies sponsored the cups, with every award being personally approved by Hermann Goering.
Each of the World War II Ehrenbechers - as they were officially known - was ordered from the same Berlin jeweler. Prior to 1942 they were comprised of a high grade composite containing 83.5% silver. Late in the war, when precious metals were in short supply, the goblets were made of a less expensive alloy that had a slightly darker hue than genuine silver.
After World War II the honor goblets fell out of favor, perhaps due to their war-time affiliation with the Nazi party. Today they are among the most sought-after collectibles in military history.
The Indy Squadron's Silver Goblet continues this remarkable tradition by awarding an engraved, silver-plated honor cup to the champion of the Red Baron Fight every spring. There can be little doubt that Manfred von Richthofen, the Red Baron himself, would heartily approve.