Cielo Insolito - No 02

Magazine Overview

Title: CIELO INSOLITO
Issue: 2
Date: September 2016
Cover Headline: Dischi volanti nazisti Vale la pena discuterne? (Nazi Flying Discs: Is it Worth Discussing?)

This issue of Cielo Insolito, a journal of ufological historiography, delves into the complex and often controversial topic of Nazi flying discs. The editorial team, Giuseppe Stilo and Maurizio Verga, present research that aims to approach this subject with historical rigor, moving beyond mere speculation to understand its cultural and historical significance.

Is it Worth Discussing Nazi Flying Discs?

Giuseppe Stilo opens the discussion by asserting that historical research, particularly on fringe topics like Nazi UFOs, does not require external justification. He argues that while the history of ufology is already complex, the specific aspect of Nazi flying discs warrants serious investigation. Stilo emphasizes the need for explanations grounded in historiographical methods, suggesting that this myth is a rich area for cultural history, touching upon diverse fields and requiring multifaceted analytical tools. He notes that the analysis of the myth's origins is still in its early stages, requiring more than just archival work but also a pluralistic approach to understanding its development.

Stilo highlights that while the origin of 'flying discs' is clearly dated to June 24, 1947, in the United States, the Nazi flying disc myth has a more complex and varied linguistic and cultural background. It encompasses German, Anglo-Saxon, Central European, Mediterranean, and South American variants, often linked to the idea of hidden Third Reich survivals. He posits that understanding this myth requires examining the German psyche in the post-war era, the processing of collective trauma, the survival of irrational and late-Romantic cultural trends, and how the German-speaking press presented related stories. Furthermore, it involves studying the relationship between pre-war German occultism and post-war neo-Nazi occultism, which used the flying disc narrative to disseminate esoteric ideas.

The research also calls for analyzing documented evidence of advanced aeronautical technologies and improbable projects from the late Nazi era. It seeks to understand how international public opinion received and distorted these reports, contributing to the sensation that the Nazi regime possessed extraordinary capabilities, including advanced flying weapons. On an individual level, the myth prompts an inquiry into how people who believed in Nazism and Fascism coped with immense societal restructuring, seeking to make sense of the past and present, and finding a sense of future belonging, partly through the narrative of Nazi flying discs.

Stilo also points to the engagement of various non-neo-Nazi esoteric and occultist currents with the flying disc myth, noting how these interpretations adapted to local cultural traditions in different countries.

A Taxonomy for Nazi Flying Discs?

Maurizio Verga presents a proposed taxonomy for analyzing the Nazi flying disc phenomenon. He explains that this framework, while relatively simple, aims to identify key parameters for studying the myth. The taxonomy is applied to three case studies: Josef Starziczny, 'Joe George', and Miguel Serrano.

Verga introduces two main analytical axes: diachrony (the evolution of events over time) and synchrony (comparative analysis at a given point in time). Within diachrony, he considers the restructuring of the past, deconstruction of the present, and structuring of the future. Within synchrony, he examines the dichotomy between individual and collective destiny, and the continuum of weak to strong re-semanticization (reinterpretation).

Case Study: Josef Starziczny

Josef Starziczny, a German mechanical engineer, was imprisoned in Brazil for espionage from 1942 to 1952. In 1948, he offered plans for a flying disc, allegedly developed in Breslau, in exchange for his freedom. His narrative evolved over time, incorporating details about Nazi UFO technology and the threat of Soviet acquisition. Starziczny's case illustrates a shift from focusing on individual prestige and destiny to a more collective concern about the future.

Case Study: 'Joe George'

This case, possibly a pseudonym, originated from South American contexts but gained traction in Italian newspapers in 1954. The narrative suggests that Nazis used flying discs in the war and that some had retreated to Antarctica. This version is characterized by a more impersonal and collective focus, hinting at a potential collaboration between post-Nazi science and American power against a common enemy, possibly linked to the East. The texts suggest a potential cooperation between German super-science and the West, possibly originating from German-speaking areas.

Case Study: Miguel Serrano

Miguel Serrano, a prominent Chilean neo-Nazi figure, developed an elaborate esoteric cosmology. His narrative posits that Hitler was a bodhisattva who retreated to the North Pole, aided by Hyperboreans and Vril energy. Serrano's cosmology incorporates Gnostic ideas, viewing Jews as historical usurpers of the Aryans. His mythologizing of the past involves a cosmic war against a malevolent demiurge, with Hitler's return via UFOs intended to reverse racial decline. Serrano's interpretation is described as a strong re-semanticization that completely detaches Nazism from its historical context.

The Taxonomy in Practice

A table illustrates the application of Verga's taxonomy to the three cases. It maps how each narrative restructures the past, deconstructs the present, and structures the future, and whether the focus is on individual or collective destiny, and the strength of the re-semanticization.

1947: Flying Discs in Advertising

This section examines how the emergence of flying disc sightings in the United States in late June 1947 quickly permeated popular culture and was exploited for advertising. Local newspapers featured advertisements for various products and services, using the flying disc theme to capture public attention. This advertising phenomenon was intense but short-lived, lasting about ten days before becoming episodic.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes a rigorous, historiographical approach to the study of UFO phenomena, particularly the myth of Nazi flying discs. The editors and contributors advocate for moving beyond sensationalism to understand the historical, cultural, and psychological underpinnings of these narratives. There is a clear stance against uncritical acceptance of claims, favoring instead a critical analysis of sources, contexts, and the processes of myth-making and dissemination. The recurring theme is the reinterpretation (re-semanticization) of historical events and beliefs to fit pre-existing ideological frameworks, whether esoteric, occultist, or neo-Nazi. The journal positions itself as a platform for serious academic inquiry into subjects often relegated to the fringes of popular culture.

Title: CIELO INSOLITO
Issue: #2
Date: 1947

This issue of "Cielo Insolito" delves into the widespread use of "flying saucers" and "flying discs" in American advertising during the summer of 1947. It meticulously documents how various businesses leveraged the burgeoning public fascination with these phenomena to promote their products and services.

The "Flying Saucer" Phenomenon in Advertising

The magazine highlights that the "flying saucer" concept quickly permeated advertising, appearing in newspapers and magazines across the United States. The initial sightings and subsequent media coverage created a cultural moment that advertisers were eager to capitalize on.

Early Appearances and Broad Adoption

While the exact first instance is difficult to pinpoint, the trend gained significant momentum around July 7, 1947, the same day many American newspapers published numerous articles on the topic. An insurance agency was among the first to use the term "flying saucers" to attract attention to their business. This was followed by an explosion of advertisements using "flying saucers" or "flying discs" as a marketing hook.

The advertising campaign reached its peak between July 10th and 11th, with a notable number of insertions appearing until mid-July. The article notes a slight temporal lag between the peak of media coverage on sightings and the intensive use of the theme in advertising, suggesting that advertisers took some time to recognize and implement the trend.

Diverse Applications Across Industries

The advertisements spanned a vast array of industries:

• Automobiles: Dealerships used "flying saucers" to promote car sales, sometimes humorously suggesting trading in a flying saucer for a new model or featuring cars that could travel at high speeds. Examples include advertisements from Jamestown, Long Beach Independent, Lewiston Morning Tribune, The Victoria Advocate, The Amarillo Sunday News Globe, and The Abilene Reporter-News.
• Restaurants and Food: Eateries played on the double meaning of "saucer" for food items. Restaurants offered "Flying Saucer Sandwiches" or "Flying Saucer Sundaes," and even invited celestial visitors to park their "Yo-Yos" on their rooftops. Notable examples include ads from Rochester Democrat Chronicle, The Albany Democrat Herald, and Barners.
• Retail and Department Stores: Stores used the theme to highlight sales and values. "Flying Saucer Specials" were advertised for items like nylon stockings, dresses, and even hats. Examples include Mervis', Levine's, Block's, PM Shops, and Cates & Becker.
• Services: Insurance agencies (E. E. Terrell Agency), auto repair shops (Engle Motor Company), and even hardware stores (Freeport Hardware, Mervis') incorporated the theme.
• Other Products: The theme was also used for products like tires (McMonigle Parts Store), gasoline (Don's Service Station), and even for promoting the idea of modern, efficient living through electricity (The Hartford Electric Light Company).

Creative and Humorous Approaches

Advertisers employed various creative and often humorous tactics. Some ads directly referenced "Martians" or "visitors from Mars," playing on the popular image of extraterrestrials. Others used the "flying saucer" as a metaphor for speed, novelty, or exceptional quality. For instance, a real estate ad in Arizona suggested that a suburban home offered a view of "flying saucers," adding value to the property. A jewelry store in Jackson, Michigan, published a fanciful story about a Martian visitor seeking diamonds, linking the extraterrestrial theme to luxury goods.

The Role of Media and Textual Ads

The article points out that many "economic ads" were text-based, with small print, making automatic character recognition (OCR) challenging. However, the titles, often featuring "flying saucers," served as effective attention-grabbers in a cluttered newspaper landscape. The tone was frequently lighthearted and humorous, aiming to make the advertising message more accessible and popular.

Decline of the Trend

As the initial excitement surrounding the "flying saucer" sightings began to wane, the advertising trend also diminished. The article notes that by the end of July, the titles became smaller, and the advertisements started to disappear. This was attributed to the market's natural tendency to move on to newer, more effective promotional themes once the novelty wore off.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the pervasive influence of the "flying saucer" phenomenon on popular culture and mass media in 1947, and the ingenuity of advertisers in adapting to and exploiting new trends. The editorial stance appears to be one of historical documentation and analysis, presenting a comprehensive overview of how this specific cultural moment manifested in the commercial sphere. The magazine aims to showcase the immediate and widespread impact of the "flying saucer" craze on the advertising landscape of the era.

This issue of 'Cielo Insolito' (#22) delves into the pervasive influence of the 'flying saucer' phenomenon on advertising and popular culture in 1947. The magazine showcases numerous examples of how businesses and organizations across the United States and internationally leveraged the public's fascination with unidentified flying objects to promote their products and events.

Advertising Strategies and Product Promotion

The core of the issue is dedicated to analyzing how 'flying saucers' became a powerful marketing tool. Advertisers recognized the public's deep awareness and sense of wonder surrounding the topic, especially during the peak wave of sightings in July 1947. They creatively integrated flying saucers into their campaigns, often linking them to themes of mystery, advanced technology, or even extraterrestrial origins.

Examples abound: Wilsons Jewelers offered 'Flying Saucers' (cups and saucers) with a special offer. The Sweet Shop in Santa Fe advertised 'Super Specials for "Disc Day"' with banana splits and sundaes. Hall's Jewelry Shop promoted wedding sets with the tagline 'You'll Be "Flying High" Too, With Bargains Like These!'. Central Pharmacy advertised Gladstone Gin, and Emporium offered dresses, all capitalizing on the 'flying saucer' craze. Even insurance companies like Roland H. Cutter used the theme, offering comprehensive automobile policies that would cover damage from 'flying saucers'.

Retailers like Crossland's Furniture Co. used 'Flyin' Saucers' to invade their store, offering deep discounts on items like baby strollers and folding chairs. The Sky-Hy Aviation Club invited people to 'See A "Flying Saucer"!' and join their club. KGO radio ran a contest involving 'flying discs' to give away 25,000 prizes. News Palace announced a show featuring 'Flying Discs' and 'Nation Saucer Hunting'.

Promotional Stunts and Events

Beyond direct product sales, 'flying saucers' were also employed for broader promotional purposes and event marketing. The issue highlights instances where paper plates, often printed with advertisements or event details, were dropped from airplanes, leading to confusion with actual UFO sightings. This tactic was used to promote local carnivals, fiestas, and even soil improvement initiatives.

For example, the Washington Post reported on 200 'flying saucers' (paper plates) scattered over Falls Church to publicize a September fiesta. The Daily Capital Journal noted that Wallace Hug, manager of McNary field, theorized that sightings in Oregon might be leaflets dropped from an airplane advertising the Albany Timber carnival. Similarly, the Abilene Reporter News mentioned that supervisors of the Ocmulgee River Oil Conservation District used 'flying saucers' (printed paper plates) to promote planting blue lupine for soil improvement.

John Schuette, president of the Invincible Metal Furniture Co. in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, even conducted a prank by spraying paper plates with aluminum paint and dropping them from his plane, causing a stir among residents who mistook them for actual flying saucers.

International Reach

The phenomenon was not confined to the United States. The Evening Telegraph in the UK used the 'mystery of the flying saucers' to promote a chain of stores, linking the vague and mysterious aspect of the UFOs to their commercial offerings. A Brazilian newspaper, A Noite, featured an advertisement for 'DRAGÃO', a store selling various goods, which used a drawing of flying saucers to illustrate its offerings. The Kent Sussex Courier published an advertisement for the Royal Air Force recruiting centre, using 'Flying Saucers?' as a headline to attract potential recruits.

Academic and Cultural Analysis

The issue also touches upon the academic and cultural interpretation of the 'flying saucer' phenomenon. English abstracts discuss the myth of Nazi flying saucers, exploring its connection to modern and contemporary cultural history, German psychology post-WWII, and the relationship between occult movements. Another abstract proposes a taxonomy for Nazi flying saucer stories, analyzing how their characters develop complex restructuring of time and influence on destiny. The article by M. Verga, 'How to sell the saucer 1947: the saucers fly into advertisement', is highlighted as a key piece, detailing the extensive use of flying saucers in advertising and their deep penetration into popular imagery and culture.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the remarkable adaptability of the 'flying saucer' narrative as a marketing and publicity tool. The editorial stance appears to be one of historical documentation and analysis, presenting the phenomenon's impact on advertising and society with a neutral, informative tone. The magazine effectively demonstrates how a widespread cultural fascination, even one rooted in mystery and the unknown, can be readily translated into commercial and promotional activities, shaping public perception and consumer behavior in the process.