Lot 535

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Description:

THE SINKING OF THE BISMARCK
Historic document, 1p. 7.5 x 6.75 in., [n.p.], May 27, 1941, a ‘Signal Message Form' detailing the sinking of the German battleship, Bismarck. The form shows a brief timeline of the final moments of the attack on the battleship through what appears to be a summary of three separate messages between the ships involved. The commander in charge of what is most likely H Force instructs the H.M.S. Dorsetshire to torpedo the ‘Bismarck class' indicating they were unaware the enemy ship was the fearsome Bismarck itself. The commander then informs the senior officer of R Force that they have been unable to sink the ship with gunfire. Finally, the Dorsetshire messages the H Force commander that the enemy has been sunk. These messages occur approx. within a single hour. Presented in a period beige frame that has been padded with a blueprint for a winch system of an unidentified ship. On the verso of the Signal Message Form is the name ‘Mr. David Boyd'. He was the British Ministry of Shipping Representative to the U.S.A. Light toning to the edges, else very good. Included with this lot are 25-30 documents all belonging to Boyd, including travel and expense reports, business letters sent to him and an announcement from the War Shipping Department listing all the vessels offered for sale, Thus offering provenance for the Bismarck telegram.

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January 25, 2023 10:00 AM EST
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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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 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000