Description:

MAX WACHTEL
(1897-1982) German Oberst and commander of Flak Regiment 155, which was responsible for the V-1 offensive, whose leadership mistakes caused the V-1 rockets to become notably inaccurate. A certain number of the V-1s fired had been fitted with radio transmitters, which had clearly demonstrated a tendency for the V-1 to fall short. Wachtel compared this data with the reports of his double agents, and concluded falsely that the radio transmitters must be wrong. It was later calculated that if Wachtel relied on the radar, he would have made the correct adjustments to the V-1's guidance, and casualties might have increased by 50 percent or more. Rare T.L.S., 1p. 4to., Hamburg, Aug. 1, 1971, addressed to investigative journalist Gunther Peiss. Wachtel encloses a letter or document (not included), and writes in part: '...Typewriting is not my forte. I hope that at least the matter of what I have written will meet your approval...' Signed 'Wachtel' in blue ink at the conclusion. Two file holes, else fine. Sold with a translation. The letter likely relates to Peis's 1976 book 'The Mirror of Deception', in which he exposed a German double spy who had supplied the German defense system from Great Britain with false reports for years.

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December 7, 2021 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
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$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