The Mysterious Case of the Hitler Letters

Last month I received an extraordinary long distance call from a man in another state who spoke in a rich German accent and identified himself, among other things, as a former member of the Hitler Youth! My caller said he had obtained from a relative in Germany, five handwritten letters from Hitler to three separate very prominent Nazis... and Eva Braun! (At this point I need to explain: Because of my personal opinion expressed below, I'm going to give my call the name "Rudolf", not his real name, and will refrain from identifying the contents of the letters, which were quite 'historic' in nature. (You'll see why below.) Naturally I was thrilled and flattered and I asked Rudolf to mail me copies of the letters, which he did.

I am NOT a handwriting expert. But like many of you, I have Charles Hamilton's book "Leaders and Personalities of the Third Reich" which contains numerous examples of Hitler's handwriting, and particularly his signature which degenerated into a downward illegible spiral as his end approached. I also have many photos in other books of various documents Hitler signed.Oh, how I wanted those letters to be real! But, in my opinion, they are not. I approached this project with what I believe to be a completely open mind. I studied the letters and the comparisons for a number of hours, then I invited a local well—known collector friend to study them with me, and with magnifying glass in hand we carefully examined ‘the letters (remember, these were photocopies) letter by letter, word by word, signature by signature. My friend's verdict agreed with mine. I have written Rudolf and told him my opinion (which, of course, may not be correct... and I've told him that also). I have suggested who else he should contact; he believes there are authorities in Germany who can help. What is wrong with the letters?

Well, first of all, they mentioned very well-known events which would have made them, if they were real, of the highest value. Frankly, the odds of 4 or 5 historic letters being assembled in one place (remember they were allegedly written to different people over several years) is very great. Possible, but not too likely. And, alas, the handwriting and signatures just didn't match what we had with which to compare them. Of course, there exists the possibility, as I told Rudolf that I am dead wrong about the handwriting.

The purpose of this article is not to castigate Rudolf. Frankly, I want to see anything a collector thinks is real. Maybe it is! And I happen to believe, after two long distance phone talks with Rudolf, that he is telling the truth. I am convinced he was a member of the Hitler Youth. His description of himself as a terrified 16 year old boy with a panzerfaust on his shoulder, being
ordered in April of 1945 by a kind—hearted leader to "drop it and run like hell for home" through both Nazi and French lines, is horrifyingly real. No, and I don't want to further argue the authenticity of the letters. If they are real, I've passed up the most important papers of the Third Reich I'll ever see.

The purpose of this article is to point out that, as we all know, forgeries and fakes of many Third Reich items are circling the globe. If you haven't seen one, you will; if you haven't bought one, you could. First, how can we identify them, and second, what can we do about them? The first answer is very difficult. All of us are fed up with the pseudo- know—it-alls who pick up a Knight's Cross and throw it back down on a table at a show with the comment "It's a fake!" Well, is it? And who says it is? Is he qualified? Unless we are experts, when asked an opinion, I believe we should state that the opinion we give is a qualified one, is only our opinion, and is based only on our own personal research and experience. Meanwhile, we can arm ourselves with knowledge. We are not as well—read as we should be. If we are in the 'German militaria' hobby we should read every history book we can. I am constantly appalled by the ’gun show mentality' of the 'collector' who will tell you that World War II started with 'the assassination or Rohm or that D—Day was December 7, l941 . In addition to the history books we can read and study the authoritative books and articles written by people like John Angolia, Hugh Page Taylor, Roger Bender, Tom Johnson and many others, who know what they are writing about. Also, we can quit trying to get rich quick. My mother told me there was no free lunch. In my rapidly advancing older age I still have trouble believing it. Chances are slim of my finding a Feldherrnhalle dagger in the woodwork for $50, or Hitler's letters of the highest importance that are mysteriously just now surfacing 43 years later. Perhaps the most apropos advice of all is this: It's in Latin incidentally, not German. "caveat emptor".

Mickey Huffman is a contributor to DG, his opinions and conclusions are his own. A collector for 10 years, and a long—time student of WWII, he is also president of the North Texas Militaria Collectors Association.

* * *

I'll jump in and add some fuel to the fire with these comments about Mickey's article. I haven't seen the letters Mickey talks about so I can't form any opinion of them. I have however, heard that there have been quite a few rare documents and letters recently stolen from the Berlin Document Center and that many would be just the type of thing Mickey describes. Also, I've heard through the grapevine, that the FBI has recently visited and confiscated some of these documents and letters from dealers right here in the U.S.. If anyone would have a collection like Mickey describes it would be the Berlin Document Center. On the other hand... Hitler was not fond of writing. He dictated almost everything, even ’Mein Kampf’ when he was in prison. The chances of finding hand written letters by him are extremely remote to say the least. So, I would say Mickey's decision was probably the correct one. Bob Treend, 1988

Mickey Huffman, "The Mysterious Case of the Hitler Letters", Der Gauleiter, 1988

German War Booty

Formal Award Document Cases of Knight's Crosses Awarded to Luftwaffe Generalmajor Dietrich Peltz. The case on the right is for the Knight's Cross with oakleaves, the case on the left is for the Knight's cross, while the case in the lower center is for the Knight's Cross with oak leaves and swords. All three cases are in mint condition and, most likely, represent the best condition set to survive the war!

Ultra-Rare Spanish Cross in Gold with Swords and Diamonds. Only 27 of these crosses were awarded to veterans of the Legion Condor, making it one of the rarest Third Reich decorations. This item was veteran acquired by Ohio collector Jason P. Burmeister.

The Three Daggers of the Deutsche Wehrmacht. Luftwaffe, Marine and Heer. Each unissued dagger is complete with it's Eickhorn-marked paper issue bag and metal Eickhorn issue tag. Note that the model numbers on the bottom of the bags match the numbers shown in the Eickhorn Kundendienst sales catalog.

This mint-condition artillery standard was veteran acquired by Ohio collector Jason P. Burmeister. These artifacts are highly desirable because of their rarity and the quality workmanship. This standard is constructed of red silk flag cloth with silver bullion embroidery and fringe.

Heinrich Himmler's SS identity card #168 designating Himmler as the Reichsfuhrer-SS. The card is hand signed on the reverse by Hitler.

Thomas M. Johnson, "World War II German War Booty - Vol. III", Author Published, 1998

johnsonreferencebooks.com

The Speakers Organization of the NSDAP

A large number of sub-organizetionswere under the command of the Reichspropagandaleiter. This article will concentrate on one ofthose organizations...the Speakers Corps of the Party. This sub-organization waspart of the Amtsleitung "Aktive Propaganda". The following is taken directlyfrom the 1937 "Organisationsbuch der NSDAP'' and is the most complete description of the Corps. The "Organisationsbuch'' for the years 1936, 1938, 1940 and 1943 have only minor differences in text.

Amtsleitung Active Propaganda:

The Active Propaganda had the duty of organizing all direct propaganda at mass meetings with their huge architectural settings, to the small meetings of the Ortsgruppen, and even the smaller Stutzpunkte. This put the complete propaganda speakers organization of the Party, plus their sub-sections and adjacent organizations, under the control ofthe Amtsleitung Active Propaganda. As well as the constant problems of current political questions, the organization had to indoctrinate the speakers staff with information and distribute the monthly publication, "Unsere Wille und Weg" to all propagandists in the Reich.

The activities of the speakers also called for the design and circulation of posters and leaflets, as well as keeping notes on the meetings as related to the speakers and the propaganda offices. Thus, a total overview of propaganda was known based on the statistics in all the reports from the Kreisen and Gauen.

Hauptstelle Rednerwesen:

The Hauptstelle Rednerwesen, with its sub-section "Rednerorganisation"was in charge of the total Reichs-, Gau and Kreisrednet of the NSDAP, as well as all professional speakers of the sub Party organizations and all adjacent ones as well.

This staff of speakers for the movement was to be supplied with all materials necessary. But it was stressed that the Party material was only to go to valid speakers.

The Rednervermittlung, which was the booking agency for the Reichsredner, Stosstrupprednern of the Anwarter for the Stosstrupp, was the only office authorized to perform that duty. This office also had the responsibility for the Rednerschulung section, whose duties included the education of the incoming political and professional speakers, as well as the continued education of all active speakers. Therefore, a special Reichsrednerschule (Reichs speakers school) was established for this purpose.

Die Parteiredner:

The Speakers Corps consisted of the following:

* Reichsredner

* Stosstruppredner - Anwiirter

* Gauredner

* Kreisredner

* Fachredner (professional speakers) Upon the announcement of a meeting, the description and activities had to be listed. The theme would be: a. The proficiency principle. b. Based on the reputation of the "OldFighters."

Basically there was a difference between the political speaker and the profession alone. The political speaker had the obligation, in public meetings and gatherings, to stress National Socialistideology as well bringing announcements from the government to the German people by way of the spoken word. Political speakers could only be chosen from Party members who had been a member of the NSDAP prior to January 1933, and who were already active speakers or were a Party Leader or were in the SA, SS or the HJ.

Reichs- and Stosstruppredner could only be Party members who had been active for a certain amount of time as Anwarter in the Rednerstosstrupp, and had been a student who had passed his exams in an ideology course at a Gaueducational school.

Party speakers were also "on call" to teach educational courses for the NSDAP.

Party speakers could, if they did not hold a higher rank in another Party organization, be listed by rank based on activity and seniority as follows:

Reichsredner: Hilfsstellenleiter to Hauptstellenleiter of the Reichsleitung.

Stosstruppredner: Mitarbeiter to Stellenleiter of the Reichsleitung.

Gauredner: a. Those who had been active before 14.9.1930 and since then had performed as a speaker or had a special qualification and was a Stellenleiter der Gauleitung. b. Those who could prove they had been active in the Party and had the ability as a speaker and was a Hauptstellenleiter of a Kreisleitung of the NSDAP.

Kreisredner: Had to be a Stellenleiter of a Kreisleitung of the NSDAP.

Fachredner: These were Reichs-,Gau- and Kreis professional speakers. Those of adjacent organizations and sub-organizations of the Party who were active speakers also came under the auspices of the Reichspropagandaleitung. They did not, however, hold a Party rank such as Party Leader. To remain under the auspices of the Reichspropagandaleitung one had to be proficient, have merit, and be a member of the Party.

Ausweise:

Speakers were issued special identification cards by the Reichspropagandaleitung. Illustrated is a rare card of Dr.Albeit Jaeger, who was a Party speaker of the Munich Gauleitunk. He received his card on January 1, 1935. This identification card was valid for either a quarter or half of a year. As shown on the dated stamps, they became valid with the rubber stamp overprint. It is believed that this is the first time such a card has been illustrated in a publication.

Otto Spronk, "The Speakers Organization of the NSDAP", The Military Advisor, 2002

Bender-Publishing.com

Iron Cross Second Class Award Documents

The Iron Cross, (Eisernes Kreuz), is probably the mostly widely recognizedand well known award of Germany. It isalso the most commonly encountered award from WW2. No matter how much of a novice a collector is, he still knows that Germany awarded the Iron Cross in large numbers for bravery. And for that matter, the Iron Cross is usually one of the first medals a new collector acquires. The same is true for award documents. Iron Cross documents are probably in every document collection and are some of the most sought after. It was an award not merely for service but for bravery - a single brave act in combat. The Iron Cross First Class, or EKI, was usually awarded for multiple acts of bravery beyond the Second Class. All branches of service, including Red Cross nurses and Hitler Youth kids were eligible for these awards.

It is estimated that between 5 million (The Iron Cross - A History 1813-1957, by Williamson) and 2,300,000 (For Fuhrer & Fatherland, by Angolia, Auszeichenungen des Deutschen Reichs, by Kleitmnnn) EK2's were awarded. This lends itself not only to the actual medal but also to the award document. However, a soldier could have received more than one copy of a document for the same award. It was not unusual to receive a preliminary award document in the field; often done on a crude form with a field typewriter and at a later date receive an official printed award. The printed formal award was also sometimes mailed to the recipient's home for safe keeping.

The standard size for an Iron Cross award document is 14 cm by 20 cm and vertical in format.The paper varies with the particular award. It is heavier than a sheet of typing paper thought lighter than a postcard, and may be watermarked, but frequently not. Its smooth, almost slick to the touch but is neither a coated nor glossy stock. Documents were most commonly letter press printed although a few were lithographed, none were offset printed. A field made award can be done on almost anything.

All EKII awards included the recipient'srank and name typewritten onto the award. (somewere handwritten) and they usually contain his unit. It seems that the Kriegsmarine did not include a sailor's ship or unit. Also typewritten onto the document was the place and date the award was made. Note that this was not necessarily the place were the soldier earned the award and was basically never the date that he earned it. The paper work was usually months behind. Each award was signed by a commander including his rank and position. It was then rubber stamped in the lower left corner of the document. This stamp corresponds to the commander's position or unit, instead of the recipient's. The posthumous EK2 document is the exception to this. It was a unique award, done in its own style and presented to the recipient's survivors. These are rarely encountered.

The value of EKII award documents depend on several factors. A base price is about $35. That would be for a document to an ''unknown'' soldier, in a common unit, bestowed by a commander who was not a Knight's Cross holder, or famous. Price increases as the unit becomes more interesting. Any Waffen-SS recipient's award should sell for over $100. The same is true for Fallschirmjager. Should the award be to someone who later won the Knight'sCross, the price could be several hundred dollars. The signature of the bestowed can also greatly affect the price, such as an EKII document with Rommel's signature. Also of great interest and value is the posthumous EKII award document - a tough one to find. If you locate one, my advise is... buy it!

Emilie Caldwell Stewart, "Iron Cross Second Class Award Documents", Der Gauleiter, 1989

Beware the Burgdorf

Wilhelm Burgdorf was born February 15, 1895 in Furstenwalde/Spree. He served as an officer in both WWI and in the Reichswehr. He was promoted to Oberstleutnant August 1, 1938; to Oberst September 1, 1940; to Generalmajor October 1, 1942; to Generalleutnant October 1, 1943; to General der Infanterie November 1, 1944. Most of his military career was spent in administrative positions. So, why would any collector today care about a paper pusher? Burgdorf's signature appears most frequently on Knight's Cross preliminary documents for Army recipients.

As of late, there has been a rash of "bad" Burgdorf signatures appearing on supposed original Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, Knight's Cross of the War Merit Cross, Oakleaves to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and other high award documents that were awarded by the Heerespersonalamt. There has even been a Burgdorf signature spotted on a Luftwaffe recipient's Knight's Cross preliminary document. Every knowledgeable collector knows the Army Personnel Office never made Air Force awards. If a collector is forewarned and knowledgeable about the specific signers on preliminary Knight's Cross award documents, then he won't be fooled by an altered or fake document.

Fortunately, whoever has attempted to imitate Burgdorf's signature on award documents has not done his homework (isn't that almost always the case?). One document dated September 1943 has a bold Burgdorf signature with "Generalieutnant" preprinted on the document, beneath his signature. Burgdorf became a Generalleutnant on October 1, 1943. At the time of this signature he was a Generalmajor. The only Generalleutnant in the Heerespersonalamt in September 1943, was Rudolf Schmundt. Another preliminary document for the Knight's Cross has a 1941 date and also a Burgdorf signature as a Generalleutnant. In 1941 Burgdorf was an Oberst and was not even working in the Army Personnel office! That document should have been signed by Bodewin Keitel, who at the time was the only Generalleutnant working in the Heerespersonalamt. Burgdorf didn't come to Army Personnel until May 1, 1942.

Burgdorf's rank and position should always be correct for the date on the award document. Even if the award was made postumously, it wouldn't effect Burgdorf's signature or position. (Nor would it have any effect on the document itself. There is no such thing as a special form for a posthumous award of the Knight's Cross.)

This June 23, 1944 Burgdorf signature appears' on an award of the Oakleaves to the KC of the IC preliminary document. At that time he was a Generalleutnant and still an assistant to Rudolf Schmundt.

This September 15, 1944 Burgdorf signature appears on a posthumous Iron Cross First Class award document. At the time he was still a Gereralleutnant and 16 days away from assuming the position of the Chief of Army Personnel. The signature is a little less open than others, but the letters are still readable, the tail of the "g" remains a straight line and the "u" remains over the "U".

Aside from the rank and position, the signature itself should be scrutinized. The newly done signatures are easily recognizable as "Burgdorf'. However, that's where the similarities end. Wilhelm Burgdorf signed in black ink and with a fine point pen. Most of the newly done Burgdorf signatures have been done with a wide point (felt-tip looking) black pen. Original signatures have distinct open characters. A collector can easily read each letter. The newly done signatures have closed letters, which makes it a little difficult to discern each letter. The tail of the "g" is almost always a straight horizontal line on original signatures. It is almost always arched on the new ones. And, the biggest give-away? Burgdorf always put a "U" shaped line over the "u" in his name. It's a straight line on all the newly done signatures.

Could Burgdorf have signed these after the war, perhaps as an old man? Nope! He died in May of 1945. Armed with a little knowledge, the collector who wants to buy a Knight's Cross preliminary document should not be apprehensive. There are still original, unaltered documents to be found.

Emilie Caldwell Stewart, "Beware the Burgdorf", Der Gauleiter, 1993

The Collector as Curator - Part I

CARE AND PRESERVATION OF PAPER SPECIMENS

All of our collectibles are in a state of quite aging. Certain specimens are in an accelerated state of deterioration due to poor care especially after the ownership of a veteran or noncollector. However, proper presentation and care techniques can retard the process of deterioration.

Most papers are due to self-destruct simply because of the method of manufacture...

The problem is particularly evident with paper specimens. Most papers are due to self-destruct simply because of the method of manufacture and certainly the printing papers of the Third Reich are no exception.

The subject of paper chemistry is a complex one, but it is sufficient for the purposes of this article to say that most post-Industrial Revolution papers were manufactured in an acidic process. The most common method of sizing, or rendering a paper receptive to ink, is that of alum rosin. This is a highly acidic material and is retained in the paper after manufacture. Hence the aging process acid hydrolysis is initiated and the paper commences its inevitable self- destruction.

Not surprisingly the printing papers of the Third Reich covered the full spectrum of quality from extremely poor newsprint to high grade rag papers. And all too often, despite their original quality, these paper specimens come to our collections in an advanced state of deterioration. Quite commonly these papers have been folded or creased. Depending upon the degree of deterioration, these creases if continually folded will eventually fail and separate. The entire paper is being slowly consumed by acid hydrolysis, but those cellulose fibers along the crease are particularly susceptible to failure because they are weakened during the stress of folding.

Paper is primarily an organic material and its cellulose composition renders it sensitive to many environmental influences. In particular, heat, sunlight, high relative humidity or extremely dry conditions are environmental stresses that accelerate paper degradation. An extreme example is the evidence of yellowing of modern newsprint when left for just a few hours in direct sunlight.

Frequently these collectibles have been stored for prolonged periods in hot, dry conditions. Equally harmful are the conditions of a damp basement. While our collections are housed in much more favorable conditions, we must nonetheless be cautions in our display techniques.Again, the chemistry of paper degradation is complex and still not completely understood, but is is certain that sunlight, either direct of diffused, is destructive to paper. Artificial lighting, while believed to be less harmful, is certainly no less dangerous over a prolonged period of exposure.

Sunlight causes accelerated aging in paper because of the generation of heat.

Photo degradation is another aspect of the process, but heat is known to be a primary contributor to deterioration because it evaporates imbibed moisture, a vital component in paper which bonds the fiber together. Prolonged storage in an excessively hot environment will prematurely dry a paper, cause it to yellow and fade and thus promote brittleness.

An extremely humid condition for long periods can be equally destructive. The humid climate of the Southern States is particularly troublesome. Unconditioned basement storage in any climate can produce the same results. High relative humidity promotes rapid mold growth, corrodes metal attachments and staples and further accelerates the phenomenon of acid hydrolysis.The problem of mold growth on paper, a condition referred to by paper conservationists as foxing, is most common with antique papers from ca. 1800 on. It is caused by mold spores present in the paper stock from the time of its manufacture.. Most often the condition of foxing is initiated by high relative humidity and results in brown blemishes on the paper' surface.

While all of this may seem at the least very distressing, a collection can be preserved and further deterioration arrested with some simple conservation techniques. Make certain that all display area windows are well shaded during daylight hours. Some blinds significantly reduce sunlight. Artificial lighting ought to be diffused and muted. Lights should be turned off when the room is not in use. It is particularly important to note that many papers contain dyestuffs and colorants which are not lightfast. Even the briefest exposure to direct sunlight is known to fade the dyes contained in paper award packets. Further, it is not recommended to illuminate a paper artifact with a display lamp. Such exposure will fade printing and writing inks.

Archivists discourage the use of clear plastic enclosures for storage of any paper artifacts.

Many collectors have no alternative but to display and store their collections in basements. In such cases a dehumidifier is highly recommended particularly if the residence is in a humid climate. Museum and archive conditions are typically 50% RH at 70 degrees Farenheit and paper is believed to be quite stabile in this environment. While museum conditions are not practical for a residence, it is recommended that approximate values of 65% RH and 70 degrees be maintained. Certainly no conditions are absolute, whether the collection is stored in a archive or a residence, but a consistent environment is critical. Likewise, a humidifier can restore a favorable ambient environment under dry climatic conditions.

The proper handling of paper is imperative.

The perspiration from our hands is acidic and frequent handling can promote further damage. Wash and dry your hands well before handling paper artifacts. This diminishes smudging also.

Use caution when lifting a paper specimen.

Careless handling can cause an already weakened paper to tear particularly at folds or creases. Store your paper documents flat and unfolded. The absolute protection from a purist's view point is to store the document between two slightly larger sheets of acid-free alkaline sized, white cotton fiber blotter paper. . In the ideal condition, storage materials (Le., envelopes, file folders) should comply with the archival specifications of the Library of Congress and the National Archives. This may not be practical for all collections but should be considered for particularly rare specimens. Such conservation quality storage materials, envelopes and file folders are not difficult to acquire commercially. Consult a familiar museum or archive on the sources of such materials.

Not that the aged condition of our collections is distressing enough, but now the additional threat of urban atmospheric pollution has caused concern among paper conservationists. The burning of fossil fuels has rapidly created the condition of acid rain. Urban environments in particular are high in sulfur dioxide, a corrosive gas which is already absorbed into the paper. In many European cities the problem is alarming. Again, proper storage materials can retard the process of deterioration. Archive quality file folders, storage envelopes and enclosures will provide satisfactory protection against the polluting effects or urban environments.

Archivists discourage the use of clear plastic enclosures for the storage of any paper artifacts. Many of these materials are not chemically inert and can degrade over time thus damaging a paper document. Too often a paper will adhere to plastic, either from static electricity or from attraction to oiled surfaces, thereby making removal of the specimen difficult. Surface dirt and grit, although minute, are extremely abrasive and will harm" a paper's surface. This is particularly true in the case of photograph storage.

...framing of paper ought to be a cautious procedure.

Many collectors have chosen to frame certain items. While this makes a handsome display, the framing of paper ought to be a cautious procedure. Most mat boards are highly acidic in themselves. Over time and in the presence of heat, sunlight and humidity the acidic materials in the paper mat will be absorbed into the subject article. This phenomenon is know as acid migration or print bunzing. Make certain that your framer uses genuine archival framing techniques. These methods and materials are also prescribed by the National Archives and mats and mounting boards should be acid-free, conservation quality. The buffing of the paper board with calcium carbonate by the manufacturer is a method that renders the framing of storage materials resistant to acid degradation.

A paper specimen should never be pressed directly into contact with the framing glass. If condensed moisture is present inside the frame the artifact may rapidly exhibit foxing or possibly stain from water damage.

It is certain that these paper artifacts will continue to selfdestruct...

Paper making has always been a complex process. All papers are manufactured to certain exact specifications and certainly this was common to the paper products produced by the Third Reich. This explains the uniformity in certain types of specimens, particularly award documents, although other types of paper for specific applications show common properties. It is probable that such printing papers for military correspondence, award documents or letterhead for high officials, for example, were produced to given specifications. This was no doubt the case during the early years of the Third Reich, although no substantive period data has surfaced to confirm this. It is also likely that shortages from the worsening wartime conditions forced Third Reich authorities to procure paper products from the inventories of occupied countries. This may help to explain the extreme variation in quality in certain papers for specific applications. What is known, however, is that the European paper makers of the 1933-1945 period produced an acidic product and that these papers are not a permanent, durable material. Few period specimens exhibit the quality of permanency.

It is certain that these paper artifacts will continue to self- destruct unless properly cared for. Frequent inspection for signs of distress is highly recommended. Ultimately it is within the judgment of the collector to determine the condition and quality of the specimen and its appropriate care. Preservation techniques are simple, a collection can still be displayed and the integrity of the artifact will be preserved.

Author's note The care of photographic materials is a subject in itself. The most important consideration with photographs is the image emulsion and its response to environmental stresses. Photographic negatives too, must have special care. A follow-up article is planned to discuss this subject.

Alden W. Hamilton, "The collector as Curator - Part I", Der Gauleiter, 1990

Introduction to Third Reich Documents

After several years of research I am able to introduce you to the companion volume (the 2nd Edition of the 1993 Forman's Guide Series (Bender, USA). The wealth of material found during European trips and received through the post has been enormous thanks I many individuals. Originally, my goal was to gather from 350-500 illustrations for this study but these figures more than doubled giving me an excellent grouping to choose from. These will illustrate not only this volume but also volume 2. Of all those received, only a small number were rejected as either fakes, copies, or at best, doubtful.

The reader will note, particularly in the Knight's Cross grades, what appear to be multiple duplications. In this case I felt that the rarity of the subject warranted as many examples as possible being illustrated, covering the Fuhrer's differing signatures in conjunction with the dates and years of award. Also, the more common certificates have been duplicated to show comparisons of official stamps and printing style, and original or facsimilie signatures in relation to date, plus, of course, the many variants in design, size, Unfortunately, some award sections have no illustrations reflecting the extreme rarity of some documents even though the award itself is scarce but not impossible to obtain. Where as some of the rarer documents can be found in collections, others which are considered extremely rare have to this time been undiscovered. But then, out of the woodwork, a rarity will appear, either from the original recipient, his family or from a veteran's estate.

Traditionally, collecting documents from the Third Reich has been of interest to medal collectors worldwide. With an increasing number of German miitaria dealers offering single or groupings of documents on their lists or at shows, the reproduction artists have noted increased interest and are now actively filling the demand. One of their classic tactics is to add a reproduction central piece to an existing original document/certificate grouping. Those interested in this subject should search for any reference books, articles, illustrations of signatures, history of award winners, units, and orders-of-battle, to give a better overall picture when adding to a particular field of interest and also to check originality. In today's world, all signatures (identified ones), official stamps, units, etc. can be checked, and with a careful glance an educated eye should be able to determine if for example, the paper has been subject to aging with tea or if it has been newly folded.

Regarding the sizes of the documents/certificates covered, I have used the European size code for approximate dimensions (see chart). Where not standard size, very large presentation documents are not included in the chart, and very small examples are illusrated at approximate size.

As this work was designed as an identification of documents and certificates, and basic value guide, it was decided not to add the identification of every signature found) illustrated specimens. Obviously, famous signatures such as Rommel add to the value) piece, whereas certificates with well-known but not rare signatures are valued accordingly. It is possible that to the probable delight of autograph collectors, this will be added to future editions. Thanks to articles written by Mr. Karl Joss of Germany and the document book by Emilie Caldwell Stewart, we are now aware of the signatures and dates in regard to preliminary certificates of Knight's Cross grades, at least for the German Army.

After 25 years of collecting, handling, and dealing in documents ranging from rare to the common, I am confident with my coverage of this vast and sometimes complicated subject. But, the finished work will be assessed by you, the reader, and hopefully it will be embraced as a true basic reference and value guide. At the very least, it is a beginning which will hopefully inspire others to build on it and create ever better books on the subject.

At the time of this book going to press, and looking at a 700 page work, it was determined to break it into two approximately 350 page volumes which allowed me to include even more in each. Volume 2 will follow before the end of 1995.

Adrian Forman: "Forman's Guide to Third Reich German Documents...And Their Values", Volume 1, R. James Bender Pubishing, 1995

Bender-Publishing.com

Postcards of Hitler's Germany

This ten-year study was produced because of an early fascination with the colorful and historical propaganda postcards of the Third Reich era. Studying them and the events they portrayed created a hunger for more knowledge about the German postal system and its function. I soon learned there was much more to this hobby than just propaganda cards. Cards flooded the postal system carrying their blatant, and sometimes subtle, messages alongside equally interesting "official issue" postcards (Amtliche Ausgaben) and the "printed to private order" postcards. It is these three categories of Third Reich postcards that I have addressed in this work.

The "official issues" were available at all post offices or at special counters at exhibitions. Their issuance was ordered by the postal authorities. They are the most common of the postcards encountered because of their numerous distribution outlets. Postage stamps are imprinted.
The "printed to private order" postcards were produced to commemorate special events, from local postal exhibitions to city and district commemorations. Some are common because of their profuse usage over a long period of time (sometimes months), and some are very rare as they may have been produced in limited numbers for a week-end event. On this wide range of subject cards, the postage stamps are also imprinted.

The third category covered in this study is that of "propaganda" postcards. These are the most colorful of the three and are generally political in nature. They required a postage stamp.

As I observed the thousands of cards available to me I noted that all three catagories, in their own way, depicted a mini-history of Germany during the Third Reich period.
When I put the three groupings of cards together in a chronological order, I not only saw most every event that was important to the German populace portrayed, but also the complex latticework of Gerinan culture and society. Not only did they portray the frustrations with the Versailles Treaty, but at the other end of the spectrum, the status of females in the "new order" to the love of nature. It was with this enlightenment that the format you are about to view was developed.

For a purely philatelic approach to the subject of "official issues" and "printed to private order" postcards there are no better references than Michel's "Ganzsachen-Katalog Deutschland," "Privatpostkarten-Katalog Deutschland: Deutsches Reich 1873-1945," "Bildpostkarten-Katalog Deutschland," and Borek's "Ganzsachen-Spezial-Katalog Deutschland ab 1933." Although they are in German, they go into much greater detail on not only postcards but also special cancels. They were my bibles when cross-referencing or confirming details I had gathered from the numerous international collections I was permitted to study and photograph.

What has developed from my years of research are three volumes on the above subject. They are as follows:

Vol. 1: 1923-1936. Only Party struggle cards from 1923 to 1933, and from 1934 to 1936, any dated card in a chronological order.

Vol. 2: 1937-1939. Any dated card in a chronological order.

Vol. 3: 1940-1945. Any dated card in a chronological order plus the postal stationery of annexed and occupied territories.

It should be noted that as extensive as my search was for appropriate cards for this series, I know that I have only scratched the surface and welcome contact from fellow collectors who hold hidden "gems" in their collections which are unknown to me. With their assistance I would like photos of such postcards, special cancels, and publishers' details, which can make up an expanded series in the future.

Format Examples

This volume on Third Reich era postcards illustrates any card that can be dated or tied to a particular event, which in reality, presents a mini-chronological history of Hitler's Gennany. Postcards without a double border or separate stamp (indicating imprinted) is a privately published card. These cards are in the greatest numbers of variations and are classified as "Propaganda Cards." Most often these cards are of a political nature and always require a postage stamp.
Cards with a double border and separate stamp indicates "Official Postal Stationery" with imprinted stanlp. These official issues (Amtliche Ausgaben) are quite common as they were available at all post offices or at special counters at exhibitions and events.

Cards without the double border, but with a separately illustrated stamp, indicate "Printed to Private Order" postcards with imprinted stamps. These issues were printed to commemorate special events.


R. James Bender: "Postcards of Hitler's Germany, Volume 3, R. James Bender Publishing, 2003

www.bender-publishing.com

Collecting Documents and Photographs

Collecting autogrophs is not a new hobby or vocation by any means and it is hard to estimate how many people collect them.

Collecting signatures of WW II Axis and Allied personalities is not uncommon. However the number who collect only Third Reich signatures is relatively small. Autographed letters, books, photos, postcards and documents signed by political or military figures are in abundence and are quite inexpesive at this time.

Autographed letters and documents of historical significance generally run from $75. up depending on the contents, signer, the condition, whether it is on letterhead ect. A great variety of documents of lesser importance run anywhere from $8.00 up. Signed photos are of course less expensive than documents or letters. Signed photos of certain Generals and Admirals. and other officers can be had for approximately $15. and up.

Signed NSDAP and SS photos usually command higher prices. Signed Hitler photos are not terribly scarce particularly in New York City where they are not difficult to locate and at the present time they usually sell for $175. and up. Signed documents often sell for almost twice as much, depending again upon the contents.

One of the things the collector does not have to worry too much about is forged signatures, at least as for as the lesser known Reich Officials. One of the problems often encountered is signed photos with an undecipherable signature. Postcards usually have printed either on the front or back the name of the individual, whereas photos do not. The collar tabs and other insignia help greatly in determining the rank and branch, but unfortunately, can not tell you who the individual is. As is sometimes the case you may not be able to determine who the person is, but it, pays to hang onto the photo especially if it is a high ranking official, on the chance of perhaps identifying it in the future.

Many personalities of the Reich are still alive and sometimes will send out autagraphs, photos and perhaps a short letter if requested in a polite manner. The trick is to find out where they now live, and when you do be courteous and go to a translator if you can not write in German; it leaves a much better impression.

It is possible to tell many things by a sample of handwriting" though handwriting analysis is almost a science in itself. Himmlers pre-occupation with ancient runic letters can be seen in his signature, which with its straight lines is extremely similar to runes as written in the 9th century. Hitler's signatures are unusual because of the fact he used two different styles of signatures. The reason for signing his name in a different style later on, is not known.

Autographs are a sound investment, they steadily rise in value, year after year, and they never depreciate as stocks do, although it will take a good while for a autograph to double in value, but on the other hand there is little risk involved, which cannot be said for stocks, also in its favor is that its inexpesive, and takes up very little space. Those who are interested in autographs should endeavor to pick up a few samples, for they enhance any callection of 3rd Reich relics, particularly when framed.

Jay A. Robbins: "Autographs", "Military Collectors' News", 1972