Description:

BISMARCK K.I.A. SAILOR GROUPING
Rare, fine content grouping of items concerning the death of Seaman Cpl. Fritz Schneider who served aboard the battleship Bismarck and was killed in its sinking on May 27, 1941. Included is a T.L.S. on 'Der 2. Admiral der Ostseestation' letterhead by captain and future admiral SIEGFRIED SORGE (1898-1989) to Schneider's mother. It reads, in part: '...It is with deep regret that I must inform you that your son, Private Fritz Schneider, is not listed on the lists of those rescued from the battleship 'Bismarck' that have now been received here. Therefore, there is unfortunately no longer any doubt that he has died a heroic patriot for our fatherland...With his fleet commander and his comrades, your son died a heroic death as a brave German man, faithfully fulfilling his duty for the Fuhrer, the people, and the fatherland...After a victorious battle against the largest English battleship and true to their oath until death, the heroes of our 'Bismarck' rest united at the bottom of the ocean. They live on in our hearts, a role model for the young soldiers on our ships until distant times...' Soiled a bit at folds, edge wear, else very good. Sold with 14 original photographs showing the unfortunate young sailor with other crewmen at various times, family members, etc.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

June 26, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000