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EARHART AMELIA: (1897-1939) American Pioneer Aviatrix, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic ocean. Vintage fountain pen ink signature ('Amelia Earhart') on a small irregularly clipped oblong 12mo piece. Neatly mounted and framed and glazed in a small gold coloured frame to an overall size of 5.5 x 4. G £100 - 150
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AVIATION: A printed 4to brochure entitled Aviation Album, published by the Floyd Bennett Airport in 1933 and featuring many illustrations and printed text relating to various aviators and aircraft etc., featuring seventeen signed clipped pieces, cards, a few photographs etc., by various aviators, most laid down to the inside pages beneath images etc., and a few loose, including Hap Arnold, Leslie P. Arnold (completed a round the world flight in 1924), Bud Morriss, Ward Van Orman, Frederick Trubee Davison, Theodore Roosevelt Jr., Ruth Nichols, James Doolittle (2), James Haizlip, Roscoe Turner, Al Williams, Roger Q. Williams, Augustus Post, Jack Wright etc. FR to G, 1 + 3 £100 - 150
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AVIATION: Selection of signed First Day Covers by various famous pilots, pioneer aviators, test pilots etc., including John Cunningham, Leo Sullivan, Paul Millett, Harald Penrose, Karlheinz Kindermann, Jimmy Orrell, Gerhard Nitschke, Duncan Simpson, Ron Gellatly, Edgar Percival, Robert Gilliland, Tom Brooke-Smith, Roland Falk etc. Each of the covers feature colour images of the pilots and various aircraft and all are boldly signed to clear areas. VG, 15 £80 - 100
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TRUBSHAW BRIAN: (1924-2001) British Test Pilot, the first to fly Concorde, April 1969. Book signed, a hardback edition of Concorde - The Inside Story, First Edition published by Sutton Publishing Ltd., Stroud, Gloucestershire, 2000. Signed by Trubshaw in black ink to the front free endpaper. Accompanied by the dust jacket. VG £80 - 100
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BEAN ALAN: (1932- ) American Astronaut, Lunar Module Pilot of Apollo XII, the fourth man to walk on the Moon. Signed colour 10 x 8 photograph of Bean, wearing his spacesuit, standing in a full length profile pose on the Moon. Bean holds some scientific apparatus in his hands and the Lunar Module can be seen in the immediate background. Signed in bold gold ink to the image, adding Apollo 12 in his hand beneath his signature. Together with a signed 8 x 10 photograph of Bean wearing his spacesuit, with a camera attached, and standing in a three quarter length pose on the Moon. Signed in bold blue ink to a clear area at the centre of the image. VG to EX, 2 £80 - 120
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SCOTT DAVE: (1932- ) American Astronaut, Commander of Apollo XV. The seventh man to walk on the moon. Large signed colour 16 x 20 photograph, the image depicting Scott performing an EVA from the Command Module 'Gumdrop' during the Apollo IX mission in 1969. Signed ('Dave Scott') in bold blue ink with his name alone to the lower white border. Rolled, VG £80 - 100
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APOLLO XV: Three individually signed First Day Covers by the crew members of Apollo XV comprising Dave Scott (Commander, the seventh man to walk on the moon), Al Worden (Command Module Pilot) and James Irwin (Lunar Module Pilot, the eighth man to walk on the moon; also signed by astronaut Joseph P. Allen, a member of the Apollo XV support crew). Each of the covers feature different designs relating to space travel and one commemorates Apollo XV and features a colour silk image of the lunar rover on the moon. All are signed by the astronauts in blue or black inks to clear areas with their names alone. VG, 3 £80 - 100
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CERNAN GENE: (1934- ) American Astronaut, Commander of Apollo XVII (1972), the eleventh man to walk on the moon. Large signed colour 22 x 17 poster issued by Triton College for the Silver Anniversary of Apollo XVII, 1972-1997, and featuring various images and printed text including Cernan in a full length pose, wearing his spacesuit, on the surface of the moon. Signed ('Gene Cernan') in silver ink with his name alone to the centre of the poster. Rolled. VG £100 - 120
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MOONWALKERS: James Irwin (1930-1991) American Astronaut, Lunar Module Pilot with Ap ollo XV. The eighth man to walk on the moon. Signed colour 6 x 4 postcard photograph, the image depicting Irwin standing in a full length pose, wearing his spacesuit, on the surface of the moon. He salutes the United States flag and the lunar module can be seen in the immediate background. Signed in black ink with his name alone to a clear area of the image. Also bearing a United States postage stamp and cancellation, 28th April 1981; Charles Duke (1935- ) American Astronaut, Lunar Module Pilot with Apollo XVI. The tenth man to walk on the moon. Signed colour 6 x 8 photograph of Duke standing in a full length pose, wearing his spacesuit, on the surface of the moon. He salutes the United States flag and the lunar module can be seen in the immediate background. Signed in bold black ink with his name alone to a clear area of the image. VG to EX, 2 £80 - 120
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ASTRONAUTS: Book signed, a hardback edition of Space Travel A History, by Wernher Von Braun and Frederick I. Ordway III, Fourth Edition published by Harper & Row, New York, 1985. Signed to the half-title page by ten astronauts and cosmonauts individually, comprising Buzz Aldrin, Gene Cernan, Edgar Mitchell, Charlie Duke, Alan Bean, Fred Haise, Tom Stafford, Walt Cunningham, Gordon Cooper and Alexei Leonov. All have signed in bold blue and black inks, each adding their mission names beneath their signatures. Also signed by Ordway III to the title-page with his name alone in bold blue ink. Accompanied by the dust jacket, VG £200 - 300
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SPACE: Selection of signed cards by various astronauts and cosmonauts including Guion Bluford, Pavel Popovich, Gennadi Sarafanov, Vladimir Titov, Vasili Tsibliyev, Boris Volynov, Robert Champine, Vladimir Dezhurov, Mohammed Faris, Yuri Glazkov, Dave Hilmers, Sigmund Jahn, Aleksandr Kaleri, Vladimir Kovalyonok, Valentin Lebedev, Mark Lee, Oleg Makarov, Ulf Merbold, Talgat Musabayev, Yuri Onufrienko, Valeri Polyakov, Yuri Romanenko, Viktor Savinykh, Rakesh Sharma, Robert Crippen etc. Many of the signatures are on printed cards featuring the name of the astronaut or cosmonaut and with brief details of their space missions. Generally VG, 44 £100 - 120
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MONTGOMERY B. L.: (1887-1976) British Field Marshal of World War II. Vintage signed 3 x 4 photograph, a candid image of Montgomery standing in a three quarter length pose, wearing his beret and overcoat, in the doorway of an official building. Signed ('Montgomery of Alamein F.M.') in blue fountain pen ink across a clear area of the image. With some (partially deleted) ink annotations and date, London 1947, to the verso, apparently largely in the hand of Sergeant Eddie Miles ('Orderly to F.M. Montgomery of Alamein'). VG £100 - 150
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AUCHINLECK CLAUDE: (1884-1981) British Field Marshal of World War II. A.L.S., C. J. Auchinleck, one page, oblong 8vo, Beccles, Suffolk, 3rd February 1962, to a gentleman. Auchinleck returns a signed photograph (no longer present) to his correspondent, remarking that he hopes he has put the signature in the right place and also thanking his correspondent for providing a stamped addressed envelope. Together with a vintage signed 9.5 x 13.5 photograph by Auchinleck (although not the one referred to in his letter), the image depicting the Field Marshal standing in a formal three quarter length pose wearing a ceremonial uniform and with a baton in one hand. Photograph by Walter Bird and signed by him in white crayon to the lower right corner. Signed ('with best wishes from C. J. Auchinleck FM') to the lower photographer's mount in fountain pen ink. The signature and sentiment are a little faded, although perfectly legible. Framed and glazed in the original frame to an overall size of 10.5 x 14.5. Some light age wear and minor staining to the photographer's mount, G to VG, 2 £100 - 120
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WORLD WAR II: Small selection of A.Ls.S. and T.Ls.S. by various Allied Leaders of World War II comprising Louis Mountbatten (1900-1979) British Admiral of World War II. T.L.S., Mountbatten of Burma, with holograph salutation and subscription, one page, 8vo, Mediterranean, 11th November 1954, to 'My dear “Chief”', thanking him for his letter and good wishes which he was particularly pleased to receive 'as I shall certainly need them in the extremely difficult job which lies ahead'; Brian Horrocks (1895-1985) British Lieutenant General of World War II, remembered for his important role in Operation Market Garden. T.L.S., Brian G. Horrocks, one page, 8vo, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, 26th January 1975, to M. W. Godward, stating, in part, 'If you are really interested in the last War, I would strongly advise you to read “The Struggle for Europe”, which is the best single account that has ever been written…..by Chester Wilmot, who died in an air crash over Rome. You might also like to get the lighter side of things from my book, “A Full Life”….'; Arthur T. Harris (1892-1984) British Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of RAF Bomber Command during World War II. T.L.S., Arthur T. Harris MRAF, one page, 8vo, Goring on Thames, May 1983, to an unidentified correspondent, the typed text written in the third person and thanking his correspondent for their interesting letter but regretting that no photographs are available; John Glubb (1897-1986) Glubb Pasha. British Lieutenant General, Commanding General of Transjordan's Arab Legion 1939-56. T.L.S., J Glubb, one page, oblong 8vo, Mayfield, Sussex, 5th February 1957, to Mr. C. Greenway (sic; the noted collector Cornelius Greenaway), thanking him for his letter and returning a photograph (no longer present) which he has signed; and an A.L.S., J Glubb, one page, 8vo, Mayfield, Sussex, 10th November 1980, to Mr. Cutchly, thanking him for his letter and forwarding a photograph and signature (neither present). VG, 5 £150 - 200
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PARK KEITH: (1892-1975) New Zealand Air Chief Marshal of World War II, recognised for his important role during the Battle of Britain. D.S., K R Park, Major, in bold pencil, one page, 4to, n.p. (France), 10th June 1918. The partially printed document, completed in typescript, is a Combat Report (headed Combats in the Air), the narrative relating to an aerial victory by Flight Commander C. R. Steele and stating, in part, 'While on a 6 machine O.P. over Roye I led the formation down on 6 D.5's which tried to escape....Four of my machines singled out the same E[nemy] A[ircraft] putting into it about 1000 rounds in all, at an average range of 100 - 150 yards. The E. A. went down in a steep dive with smoke pouring from it which quickly changed to flames. When last seen the E.A. was diving through a cloud, still blazing'. Signed by Park at the conclusion in his capacity as Commander of 48 Squadron and additionally annotated in pencil in his hand above the narrative '1 Crash'. Two file holes to the left edge and a third to the upper left corner and with a neat tear to the lower edge of the page, none affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG £400 - 600
Park was a Fighter Ace of World War I and as a Major he Commanded 48 Squadron.
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AIR CHIEF MARSHALS: A good pair of bold, vintage fountain pen ink signatures by both Hugh Dowding (1882-1970, British Air Chief Marshal, Commander of RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain, 'Dowding ACM') and Charles Portal (1893-1971, British Air Chief Marshal, Commander-in-Chief of Bomber Command in the early stages of World War II, 'Portal of Hungerford') individually on an 8vo page removed from an autograph album. VG £200 - 300
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BADER DOUGLAS: (1910-1982) British World War II Ace (22.5 victories), recognised for his important role during the Battle of Britain. T.L.S., Douglas Bader, one page, small 4to, London, 16th May 1968 (the printed address and date neatly crossed through in blue ink), to David Dean. Bader states, in part, 'It is kind of you to want my signature, which you will find at the end of this letter. I am returning the blank cards (no longer present) you sent me for further signatures for other people because I never sign blank cards. After all, if somebody is kind enough to want my autograph they can ask me as you have done.' Together with a signed First Day Cover by Bader, issued to commemorate the Schofields Air Show, Sydney, Australia, 28th & 29th March 1981. Signed by Bader with his name alone in blue ink to a clear area and also signed by Sir James Rowland (Governor of New South Wales), Ralph Hunt (Transport Minister) and R. J. St. John (Pilot). VG, 2 £80 - 120
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BADER & GALLAND: BADER DOUGLAS (1910-1982) British World War II Ace (22.5 victories), recognised for his important role during the Battle of Britain & GALLAND ADOLF (1912-1996) German Fighter Pilot of World War II, Knight's Cross winner with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds. Signed First Day Cover by both Bader and Galland individually, issued by the Royal Air Force museum to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain and featuring a colour illustration of a Hawker Hurricane Mk.1 in flight. Post marked 19th September 1970. Signed by both Bader and Galland in blue and black inks with their names alone to clear areas of the cover. VG £80 - 100
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WORLD WAR II: A multiple signed First Day Cover commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain 1940-1980, individually signed by five Battle of Britain pilots comprising Douglas Bader, Johnnie Johnson, Robert Stanford Tuck, John Cunningham and James Lacey. All have signed in bold blue inks with their names alone to clear areas of the cover. Post marked at Biggin Hill, Kent, 5th October 1980. Together with four other individually signed First Day Covers by various pilots of World War II comprising Arthur T. Harris, William Reid VC, Leonard Cheshire VC and Robert Stanford Tuck. All have attractive colour designs and images featuring various aircraft and all are boldly signed to clear areas. VG, 5 £80 - 100
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BATTLE OF BRITAIN: Two identical First Day Covers issued by the Royal Air Force and commemorating the Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, 20th September 1969, each featuring a colour image of a Sopwith Camel aircraft in flight, post marked 20th September 1969 and stamped as being flown on Special Anniversary Flights from RAF Coltishall to RAF Biggin Hill in a Spitfire, one cover signed by Douglas Bader (1910-1982) British World War II Ace (22.5 victories), recognised for his important role during the Battle of Britain, and the other cover signed by Adolf Galland (1912-1996) German Fighter Pilot of World War II. Both have signed with their names alone to clear areas. VG, 2 £100 - 120
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VICTORIA CROSS: A colour printed 4to commemorative card issued by Benham for the 50th Anniversary of VE- Day, Victory in Europe, featuring an attractive colour design, inlaid silk image and various postage stamps and cancellations, individually signed by eight Victoria Cross winners, all of whom were recipients of the gallantry award for their actions during World War II, comprising John Keneally, Pat Porteous, Richard Annand, Philip Gardner, Bill Reid, John Cruickshank, Ian Fraser and Eric Wilson. All have signed in bold blue or black inks to clear areas, each adding VC in their hand following their signatures. Together with an identical colour printed 4to commemorative card signed by Vera Lynn (1917- ) English Singer, known as 'The Forces Sweetheart' during World War II. Signed in bold black ink with her name alone to a clear area. VG, 2 £80 - 100
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MILLER GLENN: (1904-1944) American Musician and Bandleader of the Swing Era, especially popular during World War II. Vintage signed 8 x 6 photograph of Miller standing in a full length pose, wearing his uniform, on a stage at the centre of the American Band of the Allied Expeditionary Force band who can be seen standing and seated in several rows, each playing their instruments including trumpets and trombones. Signed ('Glenn Miller') in bold blue fountain pen ink with his name alone to the image. Various ink annotations in an unidentified hand to the verso indicate that the photograph was taken at the Plaza cinema in London on 27th July 1944. A couple of very slight, minor surface creases, otherwise VG £200 - 300
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MILLER GLENN: (1904-1944) American Musician and Bandleader of the Swing Era, especially popular during World War II. Vintage signed 10 x 8 photograph of Miller standing in a three quarter length pose, wearing his uniform, conducting the American Band of the Allied Expeditionary Force band who are seated before him, each playing their instruments including trombones, saxophones and violins. Signed ('Glenn Miller') in blue fountain pen ink with his name alone, partially across a darker area although legible. Various ink annotations in an unidentified hand to the verso indicate that the photograph was taken by Jack Marshall of Melody Maker at the HMV Studios on 16th September 1944. Some surface and corner creasing, G £150 - 200
The present photograph was taken almost exactly three months to the day before Miller's death at the age of 40 when his aircraft disappeared in bad weather across the English Channel on 15th December 1944.
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[TRISTAN DA CUNHA]: A scarce original War date edition of The Tristan Times, one page, folio, South Atlantic Ocean, 18th September 1943. The mimeographed newspaper (originally sold at a cost of '3 cigarettes, 2 potatoes or 1/2d') was edited by A. B. Crawford and reports on various recent events during World War II including heavy fighting in the Salerno district of Italy, the Russians continued victories including the taking of the Black Sea naval base of Novorossik and the city of Bryansk ('German resistance is said to be crumbling in southern Ukraine'), the war against Japan and the war in the air in Europe, 'The Bomber Command has made heavy attacks on rail and road communications from France into Northern Italy….”Mosquitos” have visited Berlin and by daylight the RAF and USAF offensive over Western Europe has continued….German raids on England continue but on a small scale….'. The paper also features a few paragraphs of news from Tristan da Cunha including the unexpected arrival of a ship, possibly belonging to an enemy power, 'An alarm was therefore sounded at the Naval Station and both the Station Active Defence unit and the local Tristan Defence Volunteers took up positions with rifles, machine guns and hand grenades in the event of anything untoward happening' and the birthdays of two residents of the island including 'Old' Sam Swain who, at 86, is the oldest man on the island. VG £80 - 100
During World War II Tristan Da Cunha was used as a top secret Royal Navy weather and radio station codenamed HMS Atlantic Isle to monitor Nazi U-boats and shipping movements in the South Atlantic ocean.
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WORLD WAR II: A rare World War II document issued under the orders of Field Marshal Montgomery, being the first Allied Cease Fire order in Germany, one page, 4to, n.p., 4th May 1945. The purple ink mimeographed document is an original field order marked GO 411A SECRET and was transmitted from Exfor Main at 20.50 hours on 4th May 1945 to be received by 'FIRST CDN ARMY: SECOND BRIT ARMY: L OF C: GHQ AA TPS: 79 ARMD DIV: EXFOR REAR…..' and reads, in full, 'all offensive ops will cease fire from receipt this signal. orders will be given to all tps to cease fire 0800 hrs tomorrow saturday 5 may. full terms of local german surrender arranged today for 21 ARMY GP follow. emphasise these provisions apply solely to 21 ARMY GP front and are for the moment excl of DUNKIRK. ack'. Signed in facsimile at the foot by Major General David Belchem with an instruction 'IN CIPHER if liable to interception'. This being the original document received by Captain Corner and annotated with his name in pencil to the upper right corner. An historically important document representing the first publication regarding the German surrender (the printed press not having had time to run their copy). A couple of very minor paperclip rust stains, only very slightly affecting a couple of words of text, otherwise VG £2000 - 3000
At 18.20 hours on 4th May 1945 German field commanders surrendered all hostile forces in North West Europe to Field Marshal Montgomery's 21st Army Group at his Tactical HQ, then located on Luneburg Heath. Montgomery immediately ordered his Chief of Operations, Major General David Belchem, to issue a cease fire order to all subordinate units, the present document being an original surviving copy of this order. This signal was transmitted at 20.50 hours on the 4th May 1945 and is reproduced on the verso of the illustration of the Instrument of Surrender featured in Normandy to the Baltic by Montgomery (1946, pages 276-277).
Ronald Frederick King David Belchem (1911-1981) British Major-General of World War II, Head of Montgomery's Operation staff 1943-45.
Charles Corner (1916-2006) British Army Captain, a Royal Signals Staff Officer assigned to Montgomery's Tactical HQ at Luneburg Heath. Corner was responsible for the transmission of all TAC signals traffic and was also one of 27 specially selected officers to be invited to a celebration dinner given by Montgomery in the Tactical 'B' Mess on 6th May 1945.
Another copy of the field order, although without the interesting provenance of the present document, was sold by Bonhams in New York as part of their World War II 70th Anniversary auction in New York on 29th April 2015 (Lot 157, sold for $7500)
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WORLD WAR II: A rare World War II document issued by the British Second Army, being their first Cease Fire Order, one page, 4to, n.p., 5th May 1945. The purple ink mimeographed document is an original Signal Message (marked SECRET) sent from the Main Second Army at 00.30 hours on 5th May 1945 to be received by 'Main HQ 8 Corps, Main HQ 12 Corps, Main HQ 30 Corps, XVIII US Corps' and states, in full, 'Local German surrender signed by Comd in Chief 21 ARMY GP and German representative today (.) all offensive operations will be cancelled forthwith and all tps will be ordered to cease fire at 0800 hrs 5 May'. Signed in facsimile at the foot by a Lieutenant General, General Staff, and with an instruction 'If liable to be intercepted or to fall into enemy hands this message must be sent IN CIPHER'. With several pencil annotations to the upper edge. A document of significant importance relating to the end of World War II. A few small spots of foxing, only very slightly affecting a couple of words of text, and with some light creasing, about VG £1000 - 1500
Following receipt of the Cease Fire Order from 21 Army Group (see lot 375) the Second Army issued their own Cease Fire Order to all its subordinate commands, the present document being an original surviving copy of this signal. The text is quoted in full in An Account of the Operations of Second Army in Europe 1944-45 (Volume II, page 434).
Provenance: the present document originates from the papers of Charles Corner (1916-2006) British Army Captain, a Royal Signals Staff Officer assigned to Montgomery's Tactical HQ at Luneburg Heath. Corner was responsible for the transmission of all TAC signals traffic and was also one of 27 specially selected officers to be invited to a celebration dinner given by Montgomery in the Tactical 'B' Mess on 6th May 1945.
A similar document was sold by Bonhams in New York as part of their World War II 70th Anniversary auction in New York on 29th April 2015 (Lot 159, sold for $5000)
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WORLD WAR II: An extremely rare World War II document issued under the orders of Field Marshal Montgomery, being his announcement of the end of the war to his Headquarters staff, one page, small 4to, n.p., 7th May 1945. The purple ink mimeographed document is a Message sent from G(Ops) TAC (21st Army Tactical Headquartes) to all members of Montgomery's Tactical Headquarters staff announcing the end of the war in Europe following the formal unconditional surrender of all German forces at Rheims on 7th May 1945 at 02.41 hours, and states, in full, 'GO 248. The following will be made known to all ranks immediately. The end of the war in EUROPE came when at 0241 hrs this morning a representative of the GERMAN High Command signed the unconditional surrender of all GERMAN land sea and air forces in EUROPE to the Allied Expeditionary Force and simultaneously to the Soviet High Command under which all forces will cease active operations at midnight 8/9 MAY'. Signed in facsimile at the foot by a Major, General Staff, with the instruction that it be delivered by hand. Some very light, minor creasing and the lower edge very slightly irregularly torn, and with a series of staple holes to the upper left corner, none of which affects the text, otherwise VG £1000 - 1500
The message conveyed in the present document was prepared by Montgomery's Operations Staff at 09.10 hours on the morning of the 7th May 1945 with the instruction that the contents were to be made known to all ranks immediately. The priority was 'By Hand' and a copy was despatched to Montgomery's Military Assistant for information.
Only a small number of copies of the present document would have been produced for distribution to the commanders of the various TAC Headquarters detachments for subsequent dissemination by them to the troops under their command. We can find no other records of one having been offered for sale at auction previously.
Provenance: the present document originates from the papers of Charles Corner (1916-2006) British Army Captain, a Royal Signals Staff Officer assigned to Montgomery's Tactical HQ at Luneburg Heath. Corner was responsible for the transmission of all TAC signals traffic and was also one of 27 specially selected officers to be invited to a celebration dinner given by Montgomery in the Tactical 'B' Mess on 6th May 1945.
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DE GAULLE CHARLES: (1890-1970) French General of World War II. Later President of the French Republic 1959-69. T.L.S., C de Gaulle, one page, 4to, n.p. (Paris), 3rd June 1948, to Henri Guillemin, on De Gaulle's personal printed mourning stationery, in French. De Gaulle states that he will not fail to read his correspondent's work and thanks him for his thoughtfulness in having sent it to him. Accompanied by the original envelope. A couple of very light, extremely minor tears to the edges, not affecting the text or signature, VG £200 - 300
Henri Guillemin (1903-1992) French Historian, noted for his works on the great figures in the history of France. He published two works in 1948, the year of the present letter, Lamartine in 1848 and La tragedie de Quarante Huit.
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EISENHOWER DWIGHT D.: (1890-1969) American General of World War II, later American President 1953-61. A good vintage signed and inscribed 7 x 9 photograph of Eisenhower in uniform and seated in a half length pose at his desk, holding a pen in one hand as he signs a document and holding a cigarette in the other. Photograph by Bertram Park of London and signed by him in pencil to the lower photographer's mount. Signed by Eisenhower in fountain pen ink to the lower photographer's mount with a good inscription, 'To Lieut General K. A. N. Anderson, who commanded the British First Army throughout the North African campaign to the date of its smashing victory in Tunisia. With deep appreciation and best wishes, Dwight D. Eisenhower'. An excellent association photograph. Some light age toning, scuffing and minor foxing to the photographer's mount, most likely caused by previous framing, and with a couple of small surface scratches to the image, otherwise about VG £250 - 350
Kenneth A. N. Anderson (1891-1959) British General of World War II, remembered for his command of the First Army during Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of North Africa. Eisenhower, perhaps in slight contrast to the sentiments expressed on the present photograph, wrote of Anderson that he was 'blunt, at times to the point of rudeness'.
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ENOLA GAY: Signed 8 x 10 photograph by both Paul W. Tibbets (1915-2007) American Brigadier General, pilot of the Enola Gay and George R. Caron (1919-1995) American Technical Sergeant, tail gunner of the Enola Gay individually, the historic image depicting the mushroom cloud over Hiroshima following the dropping of the Little Boy atomic bomb by the B-29 bomber Enola Gay on 6th August 1945 during the final stages of World War II. Signed by Tibbets in bold blue ink, adding the words Pilot - Enola Gay in his hand beneath his signature, and signed by Caron in bold black ink, adding the place and date of the event, Hiroshima 8/6/45, in his hand beneath his signature. Both have signed to clear areas at the head of the image. EX £100 - 120
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[HITLER ADOLF]: (1889-1945) Fuhrer of the Third Reich 1934-45. An, original draft typed letter, unsigned, one page, Fuhrerhauptquartier, 5th December 1942, to General [Ringel], in German. The draft letter, prepared on the Fuhrer's typewriter for his approval, states, in part, 'I am writing to express my warm thanks to you for sending me the book about your gallant mountain division. I was delighted to receive this and shall read it with great interest. I wish you and your division the best of good fortune for the future….' Some light creasing and minor age wear to the edges, one small tear to the upper edge, a few small staple holes to the upper left hand corner and two file holes to the left edge, not affecting the text, G £100 - 150
Julius Ringel (1889-1967) Austrian-born German General of Mountain Troops, Knight's Cross winner with Oak Leaves.
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[HITLER ADOLF]: (1889-1945) Fuhrer of the Third Reich 1934-45. An original printed telegram (received copy) from Adolf Hitler, one page, 4to, Salzburg, 15th April 1943, to Bohme, in German. The partially printed document bears a message from the Fuhrer, stating, in full, 'On your birthday today I send you my best wishes'. With various received stamps and pencil annotations etc. A few minor tears to the edges, not affecting the text. About VG £200 - 300
Franz Bohme (1885-1947) Austrian Military officer of World War II, Commander of the XVIII Mountain Corps and Hitler's 'Plenipotentiary Commanding General'
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[GOEBBELS JOSEPH]: (1897-1945) German Politician, Reich Minister of Propaganda in Nazi Germany 1933-45. An unused 4to sheet of Goebbel's printed stationery, featuring the black printed heading Der Reichsminister fur Volksaufklarung und Propaganda beneath a blind embossed Nazi eagle and swastika, also with the printed address at Wilhelmplatz, Berlin. Together with an unused small 4to sheet of stationery featuring the black printed heading Kanzlei des Fuhrers der NSDAP beneath a blind embossed Nazi eagle and swastika in the upper left corner and the address in Berlin, and two telephone numbers, in the upper right corner. Some light creasing, about VG £100 - 120
Provenance: Accompanied by copies of statements of origin signed by Richard O. Rex stating that he personally removed the stationery from the Reich Chancellery in Berlin in July 1945 after having been flown in to help establish a medical dispensary for use during The Potsdam Conference. Also signed by a Notary Public as a witness. Together with copies of further supporting detailed documentation relating to Rex and his acquisitions.
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HERZNER HANS-ALBRECHT: (1907-1942) German Oberleutnant of World War II, the first man to engage in combat at the beginning of the war, one week before the official commencement of hostilities. Herzner was also the first recipient of a decoration for valour in World War II. Extremely rare, bold pencil signature ('Herzner') on a small oblong 12mo ticket, possibly removed from a larger document. The pale pink printed ticket bears the black printed numbers 5 and 281 along with several other light pencil numbers. One small file hole towards the left edge, not affecting the signature. VG £200 - 300
On Friday, 25th August 1939 at 15.02 hours Adolf Hitler issued his order to attack Poland in what was known as Operation White. However four hours later he rescinded the order although it came too late to stop Herzner and his thirteen man special commando unit who had crossed the Slovakian-Polish border at 00.03 hours on 25th August, intent on preventing the destruction of the strategic Jablunka Pass Tunnel by the Polish Army. At 03.55 hours Herzner captured the railway station at Mosty, but failed to secure the tunnel as a result of stiff resistance. When radio communications (which had been lost) were re-established with Herzner's HQ, a few hours later, he and his unit were immediately withdrawn. One Pole had been killed, two Germans wounded and one taken prisoner. On the 1st September Hitler re-ordered the attack on Poland and, once again, Herzner captured Mosty. The tunnel was destroyed by the Polish Army. For his actions Herzner received the Iron Cross II Class.
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ROMMEL ERWIN: (1891-1944) German Field Marshal of World War II. D.S., Rommel, in bold pencil, two pages, 4to, Headquarters, 24th October 1941. The typed document, in German, relates to the award of the Kriegsverdienstkreuzes II Klasse mit Schwerten (War Merit Cross with Swords) to Wilhelm Eisenblaetter, providing details of his date of birth, rank and troop. Signed by Rommel at the conclusion in his capacity as General der Panzertruppen in Africa. Four file holes to the left edge, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG £200 - 300
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ROMMEL ERWIN: (1891-1944) German Field Marshal of World War II. Wartime D.S., Rommel, in bold pencil, one page, 4to, n.p., n.d., in German. The printed document is issued by Rommel in his capacity as Commanding Officer of the German Afrika Corps and commences by stating that he is no longer able to send personal replies to the messages of good wishes which he receives from Germany, continuing, in part, 'The daily army communique….gives you an account of what has been accomplished by the troops entrusted to me. These accomplishments are enormous. The tremendous heat by day, the cold by night, the eternal sand and dust, and not least the stern battles over a wide area, partly in difficult terrain, unceasingly impose the greatest demands on every soldier of the Afrika Corps. The special bulletins provide youwith confirmation that we are meeting the demands on us, and have the will to perform the tasks given to us by the Fuhrer, until the last enemy is killed….' A document of excellent content. Lightly mounted at the corners, otherwise VG £400 - 500
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BLOMBERG WERNER VON: (1878-1946) German Field Marshal General of World War II, the first Generalfeldmarschall appointed by Hitler. D.S., v. Blomberg, one page, 4to, Berlin, 2nd August 1936, in German. The partially printed document, completed in typescript, appoints Lieutenant Colonel Max Rambau of the Army Ordnance Depot Berlin-Spandau to be a Captain with effect from 1st August 1936. Signed by Blomberg at the foot in his capacity as Reich Minister of War. With a blind embossed seal featuring the Nazi Swastika and Eagle. Two file holes to the left edge, not affecting the text or signature, VG £100 - 150
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BRAUCHITSCH WALTHER VON: (1881-1948) German Field Marshal of World War II, Commander-in-Chief of the German Army in the early years of World War II. D.S., von Brauchitsch, one page, 4to, Berlin, 2nd April 1938, in German. The attractively penned partially printed document, issued in the name of the Reich and bearing a facsimile signature of Adolf Hitler, appoints Willy Foll, a governmental building contractor and qualified engineer, to be a teacher in technical studies upon joining the permanent Civil Service. Signed by Brauchitsch at the foot alongside a blind embossed seal featuring the Nazi Swastika and Eagle. With blank integral leaf. VG £100 - 120
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LEEB WILHELM RITTER VON: (1876-1956) German Field Marshal of World War II. Vintage signed sepia postcard photograph of Leeb in a head and shoulders pose wearing his uniform and Knight's Cross. Photograph by Heinrich Hoffmann of Munich. Signed ('v. Leeb') in dark fountain pen ink to the image, also adding his rank in his hand beneath his signature. A few very slight, minor surface indentations to the image, caused by a postal cancellation when the photograph was originally mailed in an envelope. VG £100 - 120
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SCHORNER FERDINAND: (1892-1973) German Field Marshal of World War II, Knight's Cross winner with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds. Signed postcard photograph of Schorner, a close-up portrait of the Field Marshal wearing his military cap. Signed in blue fountain pen ink with his name alone to a clear area at the base of the image. With a feint typed annotation to the upper edge of the image. Together with a T.L.S., Ferdinand Schorner, on one side of a postcard, Munich, n.d., to an unidentified correspondent, in German. The printed text states that, as a result of the many messages of old camaraderie and loyalty which he receives daily, it is impossible for him to reply with a more personal message. With two holograph alterations to the return address and with a typed annotation at the base of the card. G to VG, 2 £100 - 150
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MANSTEIN ERICH VON: (1887-1973) German Field Marshal of World War II, Knight's Cross winner with Oak Leaves and Swords. Signed 4 x 6 photograph of Manstein in a half length profile pose wearing his uniform and Knight's Cross. Signed ('v Manstein') in blue ink to the lower white border, also adding his rank in his hand beneath his signature. A few very slight, minor surface creases, otherwise VG £100 - 120
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KORTEN GUNTHER: (1898-1944) German Colonel General of World War II, Chief of the General Staff of the Luftwaffe. Korten died from injuries suffered in the assassination attempt, known as the July 20 plot, on Adolf Hitler. Rare D.S., Korten, three pages, 4to, Head Quarters, 1st April 1944, in German. The partially printed document, completed in typescript, is Recommendation No. 13 for the award of the War Service Cross, 1st Class with Swords, issued for Major Paymaster Kurt Elstermann and Sergeant Major Hermann Rammrath, and providing reasons for the recommendations, in part, 'Major Paymaster Elstermann…since the beginning of 1940,…has been installed as special messing officer. He has filled this position, which is particularly difficult and responsible in wartime, very well and with complete success….He has mastered his job with much enthusiasm and outstanding skill, and has also received recognition from those messing here, in the sense that the food has always - apart from a few exceptions - been described as very good….Elstermann is a particularly reliable and conscientious soldier, who appears worthy of the high decoration which is recommended. Sergeant-Major Rammrath….has proved himself especially as instructor and commander of the guard platoon….Rammrath is an exceptionally conscientious and purposeful soldier….who appears worthy, on account of his highly responsible post, of the high decoration which is recommended.' Signed by Oberst Schomburg, who has submitted the recommendations, to the first page and countersigned by Korten, in his capacity as Air General and Chief of the General Staff of the Luftwaffe, supporting the recommendations. Four file holes to the left edge, not affecting the text or signatures, VG £150 - 200
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ARNIM HANS-JURGEN VON: (1889-1962) German Colonel-General of World War II, Knight's Cross winner. A.L.S., v Arnim, on one side of a printed postcard, Bad Wildungen, n.d. (4th October 1956?), to Josef Mertens, in German. Arnim informs his correspondent that 'The addresses for which you asked are held by the Association of Former Members of the German Africa Corps….' Hand addressed by Arnim to the verso and again signed ('von Arnim') by him in the return address panel. One very small tear to the right edge, not affecting the text or signature, and some very slight, extremely minor age wear, VG £100 - 120
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HOLLIDT KARL-ADOLF: (1891-1985) German General and Commander of World War II, Knight's Cross winner with Oak Leaves. Signed 4 x 6 postcard photograph of Hollidt in a head and shoulders pose wearing his uniform, cap and Knight's Cross. Signed ('K. Hollidt') in blue ink with his name alone to the image. Together with a T.L.S., Hollidt, on one side of a correspondence card, Siegen, 18th October 1969, to Herr van Mastrigt, in German, sending his autograph in response to his correspondent's request. VG to EX, 2 £100 - 120
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GREIM ROBERT RITTER VON: (1892-1945) German Field Marshal and Pilot of World War II. Hitler appointed Greim as Commander of the Luftwaffe in the last days of World War II following the dismissal of Goering. T.L.S., v. Greim, one page, 4to, Flying School, Wurzburg, 8th December 1928, to Herr Loeb, in German. Greim requests his correspondent to urgently send news of the Fokker business as he has to give instructions about the machines, continuing 'If acquisition by purchase at a price of around 15,000 is not feasible, I shall have first of all to reinstate the maintenance of A-machines and possibly base them here'. Two file holes and small areas of paper loss where torn away to the left edge, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG £100 - 150
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MILCH ERHARD: (1892-1972) German Field Marshal and Air Inspector General during World War II. D.S., Milch, one page, 4to, Berlin, 26th June 1936, in German. The partially printed document, completed in ink in a neat calligraphic hand, appoints Friedrich Scheller to be a Technical Secretary working within the Civil Service of the Reich and states, in part, 'I ratify this document in the expectation that the person named in it will fulfil his oath of service loyally and the duties of his post conscientiously, and will justify the confidence shown in him by this nomination. At the same time he may be assured of the special protection of the Fuehrer and Reichchancellor'. Signed by Milch at the conclusion in his capacity as Reich Minister for Aviation alongside a blind embossed seal. Two file holes to the left edge, neatly torn and with small areas of paper loss, very neatly trimmed to the lower edge and with a couple of small tears and very slight creasing to the upper edge, about VG £100 - 120
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GRAUERT ULRICH: (1889-1941) German Luftwaffe General of World War II, Knight's Cross winner. Scarce D.S., Grauert, one page, 4to, Berlin, 29th October 1938, in German. The partially printed document, completed in typescript, awards the Service Medal Class IV to Sergeant Georg Greiner of the Staff Section of the 152nd Hindenburg Bomber Squadron in recognition of four years' loyal service. Signed by Grauert at the foot in his capacity as Lieutenant General and Commander of the 1st Air Division. Autographs of Grauert are scarce as a result of his death at the age of 52 when he was shot down by two pilots of the 303 Polish Fighter Squadron on 15th May 1941. Two file holes to the left edge, neatly torn and with small areas of paper loss, and some very slight surface and corner creasing, otherwise VG £100 - 120
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KELLER ALFRED: (1882-1974) German Luftwaffe General of World War II, Knight's Cross winner. Signed postcard photograph of Keller in a head and shoulders pose wearing his uniform and Knight's Cross. Signed ('Keller') in white fountain pen ink at the base of the image and also signed to the verso in blue fountain pen ink, adding his rank in his hand beneath his signature. About EX £80 - 100
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STUDENT KURT: (1890-1978) German Luftwaffe General of World War II, Commander of the Fallschirmjager (paratroopers). Signed postcard photograph, the slightly grainy reproduction image depicting Student in a head and shoulders pose wearing his uniform and Knight's Cross. Signed in bold black ink to the lower white border, also adding his rank alongside and beneath his signature. About EX £80 - 100
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GALLAND ADOLF: (1912-1996) German Fighter Pilot of World War II, Knight's Cross winner with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds. A signed colour 23 x 18 print entitled Duel of Eagles by artist Robert Taylor, the image depicting Galland leading the JG26 Fighter Wing Me 109s on an early morning patrol over the Pas de Calais in 1941. Published by the Military Gallery, Bath, 1985. Signed by Galland in bold pencil with his name alone to the lower border and also signed by artist Robert Taylor in bold pencil with his name alone to the lower border. Framed and glazed to an overall size of 25.5 x 20.5. VG £100 - 120
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