Lot 571

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

KARL DONITZ RECOGNIZES U-BOAT CAPTAIN WERNER HENKE'S KNIGHTS CROSS AWARD
Unique plaque-type award given by Grossadmiral KARL DONITZ to Kapitanleutnant WERNER HENKE (1909-15 June 1944), commander of U-515. The ornately-engraved plaque reads: 'Commander of U-Boats and Commander in Chief of the Kriegsmarine Congratulations on a great undertaking WERNER HENKE Kapitanleutnant 17.12.42 Grossadmiral Karl Donitz'. The 6.5 x 9 x .25 in. thick plaque bears an intricately-engraved border combining oak leaves, fouled anchors, and German Crosses. The reverse bears the hallmark of noted silversmiths 'JOH. WAGNER & SOHN' with what may be a mis-struck purity stamp. In all likelihood, Donitz would have presented the captain only with a sterling silver presentation piece. Fine condition, with a biography of Henke. From a 50+ year-old collection, sold by the owner's estate. WERNER HENKE commanded U-515 from the time of her commissioning until her sinking on April 9, 1945 after taking heavy fire from destroyers and aircraft. The date of the award, December 17, 1942, coincides with the award of the Knights Cross to Hemke. Donitz would not be promoted to Grossadmiral until January 30, 1943 - replacing Erich Raeder following Battle of the Barents Sea, so clearly this plaque was presented sometime thereafter. We suspect it may have been awarded as a unique presentation, perhaps recognizing Henke's sinking of the passenger-ship-turned-troopship CERAMIC the previous December, in combination with the results of his outstanding first patrol. Alternatively, when the British learned of the sinking of the CERAMIC, the public was outraged and a broadcast to Germany declared that if Henke was captured, he would be hanged. The broadcast worried Henke, so this award may have been made to quell his anxiety. Following the sinking of U-515 in 1944, Henke and 44 of his 60 crewmen were captured. Later, in June 1944, Henke was shot and killed trying to escape a secret interrogation center while being held as a prisoner of war. During his career, Henke sank 23 ships and damaged two others which later sank.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

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

Shipping

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.

August 24, 2021 10:00 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 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 + $10,000