Sold For $10,309
*Includes Buyers Premium
World War II-dated ALS in German, signed “Heil Hitler! Yours, E. Rommel,” one page both sides, 8 x 11.75, Der Divisionskommandeur letterhead, April 4, 1940. Handwritten letter from Saint-Quentin, in part (translated): "Many thanks for your Easter greetings and the report. I read your words with great interest and will bring them to the notice of the authorities. Thank you especially for the sculptor's pictures. I find the busts of the Fuhrer very good and expressive. I also return the photographs of General Gallenkamp.
I was at home for Easter the weather was not very cheerful. Here in my new command I am in my element, and am looking forward to the day when we can advance. The new Panzer Division has the most up-to-date equipment. If only we'd had weapons like that in 1917!" In fine condition, with small splits to the ends of the intersecting folds, two of which bear small old tape repairs. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Rommel's own hand.
Rommel soon had his opportunity to advance, as reported by B. H. Liddell-Hart in The Rommel Papers: 'On the 10th May, 1940, Hitler launched his long-expected invasion of the West. It achieved a lightning victory that changed the course of history, with far-reaching effects on the future of all peoples. The decisive act in this world-shaking drama began on the 13th-when the Meuse was crossed by Guderian's panzer corps near Sedan and by Rommel's panzer division near Dinant.
The narrow breaches were soon expanded into a vast gap. The German tanks, pouring through it, reached the Channel coast within a week, thus cutting off the Allied armies in Belgium. That disaster led on to the fall of France and the isolation of Britain. Although Britain managed to hold out behind her sea-ditch, rescue came only after a prolonged war had become a world-wide war. The price of that mid-May breakdown in 1940 has been tremendous, and remains immeasurable.'
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$100.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
