New photo of Condor Legion J/88 Bf-109B matricule 6o52

[kglass]

Gentlemen:

A photo showing the victory talley of a J/88 ace was presented on eBay today. It may identify the matricule of a plane in another photo that has long been in print but was not identified and its pilot unknown. Both have seven victory bars on the fin, in a very similar pattern. Since matricule 6o52 was assigned to 2.J/88, it now appears it could have been the mount of aces R. Seiler, H. Ihlefeld or Ensslen, each with nine victory claims. Seiler flew matricule 6o32 and Ihlefeld used 6o6. Unless either of these aces had reason to use another plane, it seems most likely 6o52 was used by Ensslen. Seiler's last claim was made on 2/22/'38, Ihlefeld's on 7/15/'38 and Ensslen's on 2/5/'39. If 6o52 was used by Ensslen then the other photo (long in print) may show it at Leon for an obviously long overdue overhaul in Spring, '39. Perhaps someone knows more on this subject?

K. Glass