Lot 179

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Description:

(1875 - 1953) German field marshal who led the blitzkrieg attack on France, seizing the country within two weeks, defeated by Allied forces in Normandy and in the desperate Battle of the Bulge. Good content A.L.S. in German, 2pp. 8vo., [n.p.], May 8, 1948, to Major Fred Biere of the International Red Cross. Von Rundstedt writes from a British military hospital, in part: "Many thanks for your letter of May 6 and the verbal greetings which were submitted yesterday... I always like to think about the trip with you and the nice acceptance I found in all of the hotels along the way as a 'war criminal'... The English commandant, the colonel, the doctor, the interpreter etc. all are doing their utmost possible to make it nice and comfortable for us. Every wish is fulfilled instantly and they always ask if we had new wishes! Even the German personnel are much nicer and not so limited and dull as it is up there. I am sorry to say that my health has gotten worse since I got sick. Very terrible pain, also when I am in bed so that I had to spend several nights sitting in bed under torture... Of course walking is out of the question. In my condition the doctors can help very little... Man would carry all of his mental burdens willingly if he could only be the commander of his own body and be able to walk around! Now I have cried enough on your shoulder, dear Mr. Bieri, please don't hold it against me! With my warmest greetings, also from [Wehrmacht General Rudolf] Strauss..." He signs at the conclusion in brown ink. Shows original mailing folds, else very good. The original transmittal envelope and a typed English translation are also present. Von Rundstedt would be released from British custody only a few days after this letter, on May 19. SOLD WITH: An original 2 1/4" x 3 1/4" chest-up portrait of von Rundstedt taken as a POW, with his name on a placard at bottom. The image is affixed to a sheet dating it to 1946, and indicating that it was made at "POW Camp No. 11" at Island Farm in Brigend, Wales.

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November 19, 2019 10:00 AM EST
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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$100 $499 $20
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$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
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