Description:

KARL DONITZ
(1891 - 1980) German admiral who headed the U-Boat arm of the German Navy, later succeeded Hitler as Fuehrer after Hitler''s suicide. T.L.S. "Donitz" in German on personal letterhead, 1p. 4to., Aumuhle, April 6, 1974, to William Greene, continuing their correspondence after a hiatus of several months, in part: "...You ask whether I had held the Pilot Observer''s Badge in Gold with Diamonds? What order is that? A decoration for fliers? I have only held the decorations which were included in the list I sent you on the sheet of my personal history on 29.9.73. Other decorations, orders and distinctions I have not received from any source..." Here Donitz adds an emendation in blue ink: "One exception", with an asterisk. A blue ink footnote at the bottom of the page reads: "I was given a sum of money in 1933 from Reichsprasidenten von Hindenburg for travel abroad to Indonesia as a recognition of my job performance at home." Donitz continues in the body of the letter: "...I possess no documents, decorations, uniforms and the like and haven''t since the time of May 1945. All these things I lost in the days of capitulation in 1945 and after. I can, therefore, send you nothing of this kind. That is all that I can send. Also it is very little for you. Do you believe that you can still write a biography about me under such unfavorable circumstances?" He signs boldly at the conclusion in blue ink. Interestingly, although Donitz denies ever receiving the Luftwaffe Pilot Observer''s Badge in Gold with Diamonds, there exists a photograph, a copy of which is included with this lot, showing Donitz and Luftwaffe chief Hermann Goring in conversation, with just such a badge clearly visible on the former''s uniform. Goring was known to personally present Reich luminaries and Axis leaders with this badge, which may explain why it does not appear on Donitz''s official records. Moreover, Donitz''s personal dislike of Goring (whom he referred to privately as "the fat one" and "the gravedigger of the Reich") likely explains why he doesn''t feel the need to mention the decoration to Greene in their correspondence. Also present with the letter is its original transmittal envelope, as well as Greene''s manuscript translation of Donitz''s letter and his retained copy of his letter to Donitz of March 26, 1974, in which Greene requests copies of two of Donitz''s books, and poses questions about the above-mentioned Luftwaffe badge and other decorations. Shows original folds, else very good.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipments are sent via USPS Priority, USPS International Priority, DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, 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.

September 13, 2017 11:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% 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