Description:

REICHSSTALTHALTERER OF HAMBURG ANNOUNCES HITLER'S DEATH
Rare broadside, 1p. 15.5 x 21.5 in,Hamburg, May 2,1945, signed in type by KARL KAUFMANN (1900-1969), Reichsstatthalterof Hamburg and an unrepentant nazi until his death. The broadside is headed: 'The Fuhrer is fallen' and sends Karl Donitz's message to soldiers and citizens. In part: '...'The Fuhrer' fell for Germany this afternoon at his command post in the Reich Chancellery, fighting against Bolshevism until his last breath...German men and soldiers of the German war. Our Führer has fallen. In deep fear and awe, the German people unite. He commemorates the terrible fate of the Battle of the Rhine and consecrates this life to this day. At the end of his struggle and his impassably straight path through life, his heroic death in the capital of the German Empire stands. His life was the sole service of Germany. His commitment in the struggle against the Bolsheviks was also valid for the Republic and the entire Catholic Church. The Fuhrer has appointed me as his successor. In this capacity of responsibility, I assume the leadership of the German people in this fateful hour. My first priority is to protect these people from destruction by the oppressive Russian Empire. As far as and as long as the British and Americans fail to achieve this goal, we will continue to defend ourselves and fight against them...What the German people have brought to the struggle for this circle and what they have achieved in the battle is historically unique. In the comprehensive defense of our people, I will strive to create, as far as it is in my power, more bearable living conditions for our brave men, and women. I ask you for all of this. Give me your trust, for your way is also my way...I hereby command all parts of the German Wehrmacht with the will to uphold the values of the German Wehrmacht until the remaining families of Eastern Germany are saved from displacement or annihilation. Against England and Wales, we will continue the fight as well and as long as it takes...' Kaufmann adds his own comments at conclusion: 'The most difficult hour of our people is over when the news reaches us today that our Fuhrer, fighting in the time of the Reich's greatest danger, was a National Socialist. What he strove for his people, history will one day tell of him. What he leaves us is the immortal idea of ??the National Socialist Reich, and what we are obligated to do is to remain loyal to this people in our people's deepest time of need, to work, live, and die for this people. In this hour, I address my fervent request to you, Hamburgers: Place your fate and your future trustfully in my hands as before, follow me with unshakable faith and unshakable discipline on this difficult path that I will follow to the end for the good of the city entrusted to me and its people...' One paper tape reinforcement on verso, otherwise near fine.

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

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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